Len Gibson – My Life in WWII

Introduction

Len Gibson, father of Three Greyhounds landlord Dave, 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

Len Gibson - My Life

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.

 

Contact ATG

Please feel free to contact the Group Officers, as follows:

Chair – Position vacant

Secretary – Keith Cooper

Treasurer – Lisa Harrington

Donations to ATG

If you would like to support the work of the Tree Group by making a donation to help cover the costs of essential tree guards or the purchase of trees for planting, that would be very much appreciated.

Account details are:
Account Name: Asby Tree Group
Sort code: 20-55-41
Account number : 50979708

ATG Activities

We will be working with local landowners to identify small areas of land that can be used to plant trees or hedges. Occasional requests will go out to members, seeking volunteers to survey areas of land to assess the age and health of trees and to identify possible planting areas, as well as to take part in planting trees and hedges. These activities will normally be scheduled to last for no more than three hours.

The Tree Group has insurance to cover members carrying out these activities.

ATG Membership

A membership form can be downloaded here,
or obtained from the Secretary:
Keith Cooper

There is currently no membership fee.

COVID Policy (Feb.2022)

Unfortunately Covid-19 has not gone away, and we still want everyone to feel safe whilst being able to enjoy the film.

  • We use ‘cabaret-style’ seating around suitably spaced tables.
  • We recommend that you continue to wear a face covering when moving around the village hall, though this may be removed whilst you are seated.
  • It would also be appreciated if you could complete an antigen (lateral flow) test before attending.  (We are more than happy to refund your ticket should your test unfortunately prove positive.)

Opening Hours Xmas 2021

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