A soldier awarded the Victoria Cross is set to open TANKFEST 2026 – where he will drive the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle he was driving when he was cited for heroism.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Johnson Beharry VC earned Britain’s highest gallantry award for his actions whilst serving in Iraq in 2004.
The then-Private was the driver of a Warrior IFV when his troop was ambushed by the enemy on two separate occasions.
On the first occasion, his swift and decisive actions enabled his troop to escape before carrying his wounded colleagues to safety from their burning vehicle.
On the second, he drove his vehicle and his crew to safety – despite being seriously wounded himself by a rocket-propelled grenade.
The Warrior IFV is on loan from the National Army Museum, which recently acquired the vehicle from the British Army and displayed it outside the Museum in June. Research by Army and Museum specialists identified it as the Warrior driven by Johnson Beharry during the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The Warrior has been decommissioned after 40 years in service.
Nik Wyness, Director of Marketing and Engagement, said: “We are honoured to be welcoming WO1 Johnson Beharry VC to open the show – and it will be incredibly poignant to see him driving a Warrior IFV for the first time since he was evacuated from the battlefield 22 years ago.
“We’re very grateful to our partners at The National Army Museum for loaning us the vehicle and working with us to share this remarkable story.”
Johnson Beharry VC will drive the Warrior into the arena on Friday 26 June – the first of three days of TANKFEST 2026 – after which he will take part in a brief interview in front of the 8,000 visitors attending from across the globe.
Nikki Elvin, Assistant Director: Audiences and Engagement, at the National Army Museum said: “We’re delighted that, following its display in Chelsea, this Warrior will be seen by a global audience at TANKFEST. This vehicle saved lives, served the British Army for more than 40 years, and is an important part of modern Army history. The loan reflects the strong relationship between the National Army Museum and Regimental Museums across the UK, helping us share these stories with as many people as possible.”
