Soldier awarded first VC in over twenty years

A British solider has become the first recipient of the Victoria Cross in over 20 years, for his acts of bravery while serving in Iraq.

Private Johnson Gideon Beharry received the award, the highest commendation for the British and Commonwealth military, for two acts of "outstanding gallantry of the highest order" while he was based in Al Amarah, Maysan Province, Iraq in 2004.

In the first incident, on May 1 last year, Pte Beharry saved the lives of several colleagues caught in an ambush. Pte Beharry had been driving the lead armoured vehicle in a convoy called to the assistance of a foot patrol caught in a series of ambushes. The vehicle came under heavy fire and a number of soldiers, including the platoon commander and the vehicle's gunner, were injured. Pte Beharry drove through the ambush to take his crew to safety and also lead the other vehicles safely through the ambush.

The following month, on June 11, Pte Beharry's vehicle was again involved in an ambush, in which several of the crew, including his commander, were injured. Pte Beharry managed to drive out of the ambush area, in spite of suffering serious head injuries in the attack, from which he is still recovering.

Pte Beharry, who serves with the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wale's Royal Regiment, is the first soldier to receive the Victoria Cross since 1982 and the first non-posthumous recipient since 1965.

Pte Beharry was one of more than 140 UK servicemen and women who were honoured for their role in operations around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa.

Among the others who were honoured was Royal Marine Reserve, Colonel Paul Anthony Jobbins, who received the George Medal for his work with UN peacekeeping forces in Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Col Jobbins was responsible for tactical control of UN forces in the town when it fell under the control of insurgents in June 2004. He negotiated with the commanders of the different factions and personally rescued many civilians, often while under gunfire.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said that those honoured had "performed truly exceptional acts of gallantry". He said: "These honours and awards recognise the outstanding achievements of these extraordinary men and women and their acts of great courage, bravery and determination.”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Mike Walker, said: “These honours are testimony to the quality of our training, and to the character, ability and determination of our people.”

(KMcA/SP)