L/Cpl Johnson Beharry VC

On 18 March 2005, Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest military decoration for valour in the British and Commonwealth armed forces. While serving with the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment in Iraq, Johnson twice saved members of his unit from ambushes, sustaining a serious brain injury in the latter engagement.

On 1 May 2004, Johnson Beharry was driving an armoured vehicle that had been called to the assistance of a foot patrol caught in a series of ambushes. The vehicle was hit by multiple rocket-propelled grenades, causing damage and resulting in the loss of radio communications. The platoon commander, the vehicle's gunner and a number of other soldiers in the vehicle were injured.

Due to damage to his periscope optics, Johnson was forced to open his hatch to steer his vehicle, exposing his face and head to withering small arms fire. He then drove the crippled vehicle through the ambush, taking his own crew and leading five other vehicles to safety. He then extracted his wounded comrades from the vehicle, all the time exposed to further enemy fire. He was cited on this occasion for 'valour of the highest order'.

While back on duty on 11 June 2004, Johnson was again driving the lead vehicle of his platoon through Al Amarah when his vehicle was ambushed. A rocket-propelled grenade hit the vehicle six inches from Johnson's head, causing serious shrapnel injuries. Additional rockets hit the vehicle incapacitating his commander and injuring several of the crew.

Despite his life threatening injuries, Johnson retained control of his vehicle and drove it out of the ambush area before losing consciousness. He required brain surgery for his injuries and he was still recovering when he was awarded the VC in March 2005. Today, Johnson still suffers from the residual effects of his brain injury, including poor memory.

Johnson Beharry is now a Special Ambassador for Headway - the brain injury association. Johnson said: "The world is full of heroes who don't get any recognition, people who everyday face challenges in their lives - who learn to live again following brain injury or who care for loved ones who are injured.

"Just because the wounds have healed it doesn't mean you're better - the impact of brain injury can stay with you for life. Organisations like Headway are so important and that's why I've decided to help them in getting the message across."