Johnson Beharry VC

Perhaps once in a generation there comes a man whose story is so extraordinary that people who hear it find it hard to comprehend.

I've just been rereading "Barefoot Soilder" the autobiography of Lance Corporal Johnston Beharry, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in over 40 years. He is just such a man.

For those of you who don't know the Victoria Cross is the highest military award in Britain and it is only awarded for extreme valour. Only 13 have been awarded since the end of the Second World War, the majority of the posthumously

What makes Beharry's story so extraordinary is the simple down to earth way in which it is told. He speaks of his actions in the theatre of war as if he did only what he had to do, only what anyone would have done. And yet there is nothing simple or ordinary about his actions. I find it hard to believe that there are many 'anyone's out there who would have acted as he did.

It is a truly amazing story. I highly recommend it.

'Barefoot Soldier' on Amazon