Johnson Beharry VC

From Grenadian poverty, to being awarded the Victoria Cross and becoming a national hero, the life story of Colour Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG is quite simply remarkable.

Courage Under Fire

hero background
hero background
hero background

Born in Grenada in 1979, Johnson was one of eight children – living in a two-bedroom hut, surviving on rice and beans, and walking three miles barefoot to school. At just 13 he left school to work as a labourer. By 1999, aged 20, he’d scraped together the airfare for England and moved to West London to escape poverty and make a better life for himself.

Johnson Beharry Remembrance Day
Victoria cross medal
Credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2021.

He started by picking up work on building sites, but soon found himself involved in gang related crime. Deciding he needed to turn his life around, in 2001 he enrolled in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and trained as a Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle driver. He served six months in Kosovo, three months in Northern Ireland, and then went to Iraq.

AN INSPIRATION TO ALL

Committed to using the Victoria Cross bestowed upon him for good, Johnson Beharry continues to inspire audiences today. From founding his own charity, to working to improve the mental wellbeing of war veterans, Johnson now dedicates his time to making a difference to the lives of others.

Johnson Beharry speaking at a function

Speaking Topics:

  • Bravery
  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Recovering from Trauma
  • Drive & Determination
  • Teamwork

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Johnson is a captivating motivational speaker. Sharing his own story of turning his life around, he has a wealth of strategies for mental strength, resilience and determination. Whether it’s inspiring a workplace, school or general audience, he connects with audiences of all backgrounds to leave a lasting impression.

Speaking Topics:

  • Bravery
  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Recovering from Trauma
  • Drive & Determination
  • Teamwork

Media Appearances

Since receiving his VC, Johnson has become a well-recognised public figure.

He has been interviewed on top-rated shows including This Morning and Good Morning Britain, and glided into the semi-final of ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2011.

Available for TV, radio, and written interviews, Johnson's natural ease and Grenadian charisma always shines through.

Silhouette of a solider at sunrise
Credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2021.

Published Author

‘Barefoot Soldier’, 2007 is a raw and inspirational account of Johnson Beharry’s life. From a childhood of poverty in Grenada, to his outstanding heroism that saved the lives of 30 men, and then his remarkable road to recovery that followed, this is his incredible story, in his own words.

Close up of military uniform
Convoy of military vehicles
Johnson Beharry with two colleagues

CHARITABLE WORK

Johnson has been instrumental in aiding the Gardening Leave, a charity which supports veterans who suffer from the mental wounds of their military experiences, through the quiet contemplation in the act of gardening.

In addition, he also founded the JBVC Foundation in 2014, to help young people leave the cycle of gang violence – empowering them to find an alternative direction and supporting them to become productive members within their community.

JBVC FOUNDATION

Johnson is a captivating motivational speaker. Sharing his own story of turning his life around, he has a wealth of strategies for mental strength,

Book Johnson for your event

Johnson has made hundreds of public appearances, speaking about his experiences in schools, youth offenders' centres and prisons, and continues to support young people involved in gang culture through his charity, the JBVC Foundation. He is always open to discussing how he can help others turn their lives around.