A surprise VIP visit at camp

The cadets, from Cambridgeshire ACF, were settling down to enjoy their first day at annual camp in Thetford, when the surprise visitor arrived. Sgt Johnson Beharry VC COG, abandoned plans to celebrate his birthday at home, to drop in on camp and chat to cadets and adult volunteers.

“We wanted to get the week at camp off to a fantastic start, so what better way than for the cadets to meet Sgt Beharry” said Commandant, Col Mark Knight MBE DL.

As well as talking about his two actions in Iraq, that led him to be awarded the Victoria Cross in 2005. Sgt Johnson spoke candidly of his early life growing up in Grenada, including how he took steps to avoid a possible life of “getting into trouble”, by joining the British Army.

At the end of the visit, Sgt Beharry was delighted to show his audience the medals and answer their questions - quickly followed by some cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday!

Col Knight added “All the cadets were buzzing and listened eagerly as Sgt Beharry told us about his own life and the *JBVC Foundation, a charity he set up to steer people along a road to a better life.

“It was such an amazing day for cadets and adult volunteers alike and exceeded my expectations. I am so grateful to Sgt Beharry for taking the time, on his birthday, to come and visit us.”

*Find out more about the JBVC Foundation