Stories of Valour: Victoria Cross and George Cross
Join us for an exclusive evening with Victoria Cross recipient Johnson Beharry and George Cross recipients Chris Finney and Dom Troulan as they discuss their experiences of courage, valour and extraordinary heroism.
As our first event to mark the Museum as the new home of Lord Ashcroft’s collection of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses, this evening offers a unique opportunity to hear from recipients of these awards first-hand.
Hosted by Museum director Brigadier (Retd) Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE, who has commanded soldiers on operations, witnessed courage in action and has recommended soldiers for public recognition, Johnson Beharry VC COG, Chris Finney GC and Dom Troulan GC QGM will explore what it means to be a Victoria Cross and George Cross recipient, and the remarkable stories behind their citations.
This evening event is in partnership with the VC and GC Association, which represents all living holders of the Victoria Cross, awarded to military personnel, and the George Cross, which is awarded to civilians and military personnel. The work of the Association itself, since it was formed in 1956, will also be discussed, from supporting national commemorations, advising institutions including the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Household, to inspiring younger generations.
The Victoria Cross was instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria, who took a great personal interest in its creation. It is the Commonwealth’s most prestigious decoration for valour in the presence of the enemy. The first award ceremony took place in Hyde Park in June 1857.
The George Cross was instituted in 1940 as the Commonwealth’s most prestigious decoration for gallantry not in the presence of the enemy. King George VI made a live broadcast, three weeks after the Blitz began in the Second World War to announce its creation.
Generously supported by Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC
About the panel
Warrant Officer Class 1 Johnson Beharry VC COG was born in Grenada in 1979. He joined the Army in 2001 and served on operational tours in Kosovo (2002) and Iraq (2004). He is the founder of the JBVC Foundation, which aims to 'protect children aged 10 and above from criminal exploitation and violence'. He has also published an autobiography, 'Barefoot Soldier'. Johnson was awarded the Victoria Cross in 2005 for two separate acts of great courage while serving in Iraq, becoming the first soldier to be awarded the medal in the 21st century.
Chris Finney GC joined the Army in September 2000. He was awarded the George Cross in 2003 for courage under fire during the Iraq War. In 2003, he was granted the freedom of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Lancashire, and in 2004 he received the Pride of Britain award. Chris was promoted to lance corporal in April 2006 and lance corporal of horse in July 2007. He left the Army in 2009 and joined Joe Calzaghe Enterprises, after which he and his wife started in the garden centre business in the West Country. Chris acts as a trustee of the VC and GC Association, taking over as Chairman in December 2022. He also serves on the council of the National Army Museum.
Dom Troulan GC QGM joined the Royal Marines in June 1979 aged 16, and served in 42 Commando in the Falklands conflict, 40 Commando, and the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. He retired as a major in August 2009, having been awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal during his service. He then worked in East Africa as a security risk manager. It was while living in the region that he found himself leading the hostage release and recovery of Paul and Rachel Chandler, Judith Tebbutt (UK citizens) and many others. In 2017, Dom was awarded the George Cross for his actions during the 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya. He was the first civilian recipient of the award in 25 years.
Brigadier (Retd) Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE has been the Director of the National Army Museum since 2018. After a 27-year career in the British Army from 1985 to 2012, he joined McKinsey & Company as a management consultant in 2013. His last appointment in the Army was Director Combat, the professional head of the Royal Armoured Corps and the Infantry. Prior to that, he had extensive command and staff experience and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) after commanding 2nd Battalion The Rifles in Iraq.
