War hero statue unveiled at final resting place on Thursday 18th December 2025 at 10:30am
In the 80th year of VJ Day, philanthropist Brian Burnie announces the permanent installation of a statue to remember the ‘Forgotten Army, at North Marine Park, South Sheilds, Tyne and Wear. (what3words = boats.just.hoot)
Creator of the statue, Ray Lonsdale is a British sculptor renowned for his evocative steel works that capture the spirit of everyday people and commemorate historical events.
Ray said “The importance of this particular statue is that it’s for The Forgotten Army, it’s for the people who were captured, tortured and worked to death in many cases. You see all the First World War statues, you see all the difference aspects that are commemorated on a regular basis, so it’s nice to bring this story to the fore,”
Brian Burnie, who started the cancer charity Daft as a Brush, has privately funded this magnificent tribute to all prisoners of war, many of whom perished and never returned from the Far East.
The artwork of Mr Len Gibson BEM, a great supporter of the Daft as a Brush charity, was imprisoned on the Burma Death Railway by the Japanese, is depicted handing a homemade banjo to a Burmese boy.
Mr Burnie said; “Handing over the instrument is a symbol of peace and forgiveness, as Len was released from far east captivity to come home. 2025 is the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan and marks the official end of the Second World War. This wonderful statue by Ray Lonsdale will be such a lasting tribute to all those who never came home and to those veterans who suffered so much.
The memorial statue stands as a permanent reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served under the British Army during the Burma Campaign of World War II. Known historically as the “Forgotten Army” due to the lack of public recognition they received, the memorial aims to ensure their legacy is honoured for generations to come.”
The 2.7m (8.8ft) high tall statue is the latest piece to be created by Ray Lonsdale, whose work can be seen around the region.
The event will begin at 10:30am Thursday 18th December with Highland Pipers opening the ceremony and unveiled by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, General Robin Brims, Brian, Council leader Tracey Dixon, Ray Lonsdale and special guests will be present for the short service by Rev. Danial Alcock with Bugler at 11:00am.
Thereafter, Mr Burnie will formally gift the statue, free of charge, to the council.
VJ Day (Victory over Japan) in the UK marks the end of World War II, following Japan’s surrender on 15 August 1945. It is remembered as the day the Second World War officially ended, after over six years of global conflict.
Contacts:
Ray Lonsdale - Two Red Rubber Things
Unit 20, South Hetton Ind Estate, South Hetton, DH6 2UZ –
Tel: 07708 458 293 Email: ray@tworedrubberthings.co.uk
Brian Burnie - Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care
Tel: 0191 28 55 999 / Mobile: 07889 224 957 info@daftasabrush.co.uk
Peter Stoten - Events Manager Daft as a Brush
Tel: 0191 28 55 999 / Mobile: 07776 305 032 Email: peter.stoten@daftasabrush.co.uk
Dave Harrison - Communications (Working days Tues / Wed only)
Tel: 0191 28 55 999 Mobile: 0771 253 0902
Email: dave.harrison@daftasabrush.org.uk
