VC hero Beharry awarded promotion

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/5381106.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The first living soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) in nearly four decades has been given a promotion, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Johnson Beharry, from Grenada in the West Indies, was promoted from private to lance corporal for "distinguished and exceptional service".

The 27-year-old was given the VC last year, for his actions in Iraq.

He twice led comrades to safety during attacks in the town of al-Amarah in May 2004, suffering serious injuries.

On 1 May 2004, he guided a five-vehicle convoy through a mile of enemy ground to drop off wounded comrades.

Weeks later, his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite suffering a serious head wound, he managed to reverse his Warrior to safety.

Family feud

But he has recently revealed how the fame accompanying his VC award - the first to a living soldier since 1969 - came at a high price.

In his book Barefoot Soldier, due to be published soon, he has revealed that his days of active service are over because of a brain injury he suffered in the second attack.

And amid family feuding, he and his wife announced their separation last year.

L/Cpl Beharry's promotion means his daily pay has risen from £54.60 a day to £58.79.

As the holder of the Victoria Cross he also receives an annual award of £1,495.