Last weekend military veterans and their supporters in Newmarket hosted a Victoria Cross winner who spoke about his experiences and determination to continue making a difference.
The Newmarket and District Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) invited WO1 Johnson Beharry VC to join them on Saturday 30 May. He shared his inspirational and moving story of his service in the British Army, recovery from injury following two incidents in Iraq in 2004, and life following combat.
Johnson gave an overview of his life, his duties in the Army and the extensive injuries and trauma he sustained during the Second Gulf War. He is still living with the mental scars, sleep deprivation and chronic pain of his time in Iraq. He mentioned that he is soon to be reunited—after 22 years—with his Warrior Tank at the National Army Museum.
The Army veteran also spoke of receiving the Victoria Cross for his service and the legacy he is creating via the Johnson Beharry VC Foundation. His charity focuses on protecting vulnerable children from criminal exploitation and gang involvement, providing early intervention, mentoring, and sustainable career support.
Other speakers during the RBL event included co-authors Andrew Colley and John Neil, who gave an informative talk about Second World War parachute instructor Charles Agate AFC.
For some time, Charles held the record for the most parachute jumps as he tested the canopies, ultimately receiving the Air Force Cross for his dedication. Andrew and John have written a book about him titled “The Man Who Tested Parachutes”.
After it hosted a Victoria Cross winner and other guests, the RBL’s evening also featured a prize raffle with items donated by businesses and individuals from the local community. After a silent auction of two paintings by an ex-paratrooper, the RBL fundraising brought in a total of £2,000. The Johnson Beharry VC Foundation and Suffolk County RBL General Fund will each receive half that sum.
Newmarket and District Branch Chair Paul Greenwood said: “We are extremely grateful for the support from the community, with donations that helped our fundraising effort. It was a truly memorable and emotional night for all.”
