TANKFEST coincides with Armed Forces Day. This year’s event was officially opened by Victoria Cross recipient Warrant Officer Class 1 Johnson Beharry VC.
He entered the arena at the controls of the very Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle in which he was cited for his bravery during operations in Iraq.
It was the first time he had driven the vehicle since being pulled from the driver’s seat with serious injuries in 2004.
His vehicle had been badly damaged in an enemy ambush, and although wounded himself, he rescued his wounded comrades before driving it to safety – earning the Victoria Cross.
Mr Beharry VC described himself as feeling like he has ‘goose bumps’ after driving the Warrior again after 22 years.
Clearly moved, he said; “All of the memories came rushing back; the explosions, carrying the guys from the vehicle under heavy machine gun fire, being shot myself, and those who didn’t make it.”
He said he was excited to be taking part – hoping that driving the vehicle again would give him the closure he’d been looking for on the events of 22 years ago.
