Introduction
Len Gibson, father of Dave (Three Greyhounds landlord from 2017 to 2023) was invited by Asby History Group to regale us with some of his wartime experiences. Being a natural raconteur, Len was only too pleased to oblige. His presentation took place in Asby Village Hall on 1 May 2019. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this was cut short. He was however keen to pick up his tale later the following month, this time in the convivial atmosphere of the Three Greyhounds Inn.
Sadly, Len passed away on 31 July 2021, aged 101, never to be forgotten by all those who ever met him. The Times published an an extensive obituary.
Watch the Video
Video footage courtesy of Geoff Johnson
and Steve Lucas.
Chapter List
Click on one of the links below to start streaming the video from a particular chapter in Len’s tale:
. 00:00:00 Introduction and Len’s “Warm-Up”. . 00:03:19 Abandon Ship! & Why I Joined the Army. 00:13:19 Your Country Needs You – to be a Pilot.00:20:47 To the River Kwai & the Concert Party.
00:32:49 Christmas in Wampon & the arrival of cholera .
00:40:38 Moving to a new camp.
00:46:03 INTERMISSION.
00:47:02 Finishing the Burma Railway.
00:49:30 Nakon Paton Camp & Long lost Friends.
00:58:05 Len’s Orchestra plays “Monsoon”.
01:01:47 Perils and Pleasures of Road Building.
01:08:47 VJ Day! – Can it be True?.
01:14:42 A Dakota to Rangoon & the Concert Party reuinited.
01:18:46 Ceylon, and Home at last.
01:22:21 Epilogue – Len’s Poem.
