VC-holder Johnson Beharry reunited with Warrior in which he earned his medal 22 years ago
Johnson Beharry has been reunited with the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle in which he earned the Victoria Cross for two acts of valour during the Iraq War.
The 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment soldier managed to save members of his unit from two separate ambushes on 1 May and again on 11 June 2004 at Al-Amarah.
He sustained serious head injuries in the latter engagement, but recovered and was awarded his VC by Queen Elizabeth II the following year.
Courage and service
While Warrant Officer Class 1 Beharry is still in the Army, his FV510 has been decommissioned after more than 40 years of service.
The Warrior has now been given to the National Army Museum, and WO1 Beharry visited the west London venue to reconnect with the vehicle which he last saw 22 years ago.
The National Army Museum said the Warrior stands as a powerful reminder of the courage and service of the soldiers who have served in it.
Exposed to enemy fire
After completing his training in Catterick, the then-Private Beharry learned how to drive Warrior IFVs.
From his first tour of duty in Kosovo to a three-month tour of Northern Ireland he made a good impact and embodied the values of the British Army.
However, it was in Iraq where his true valour emerged.
On 1 May 2004, while on duty in Al-Amarah, Pte Beharry was driving his Warrior when it was hit by multiple rocket-propelled grenades.
The platoon commander, the vehicle's gunner and a number of other soldiers in the IFV were injured.
As the vision blocks had been damaged, Pte Beharry was forced to open his hatch to steer the vehicle, exposing his head to small arms fire.
He drove the crippled Warrior through the ambush, taking his own crew and leading five other Warriors to safety.
Pte Beharry then extracted his wounded comrades from the vehicle, all the time exposed to further enemy fire.
History repeated
The following month, in the early morning of 11 June 2004, Pte Beharry was again driving the Warrior when his company was ambushed and a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle, exploding a few centimetres from his head.
He drove backwards at great speed, saving the lives of those in his vehicle.
In recognition of two selfless acts of bravery, he became the first person to be awarded a Victoria Cross in the 21st century.
He also became the first living recipient of the VC in more than 30 years.
WO1 Beharry serves as an inspiration for up-and-coming soldiers, with The Beharry Centre at ITC Catterick being named in his honour.
His Warrior will be on free public display outside the National Army Museum until 14 June.
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