London Gazette Citation
*Extract only as Johnson Beharry’s citation was extraordinarily long. ‘Private Beharry carried out two individual acts of great heroism by which he saved the lives of his comrades.
‘Both were in direct face of the enemy, under intense fire, at great personal risk to himself (one leading to him sustaining very serious injuries). His valour is worthy of the highest recognition…
‘…Beharry’s platoon was tasked over the radio to come to the assistance of the remainder of the company, who were attempting to extract the isolated foot patrol.
‘As his platoon passed a roundabout, en-route to the pinned-down patrol, they became aware that the road to the front was empty of all civilians and traffic - an indicator of a potential ambush ahead.
‘The platoon commander ordered the vehicle to halt, so that he could assess the situation.
‘The vehicle was then immediately hit by multiple rocket-propelled grenades.
‘Eyewitnesses report that the vehicle was engulfed in a number of violent explosions, which physically rocked the 30-tonne Warrior…
‘…Due to damage…Beharry had no means of communication with either his turret crew or any of the other Warrior vehicles…
‘…In this confusing and dangerous situation…he closed his driver’s hatch and moved forward through the ambush…to establish some form of communications, halting just short of a barricade placed across the road.
‘The vehicle was hit again…from insurgent fighters in alleyways and on rooftops around his vehicle…
‘Beharry displayed repeated extreme gallantry and unquestioned valour, despite intense direct attacks, personal injury, and damage to his vehicle in the face of relentless enemy action.’‘