Exhibition celebrates courage of ethnic minorities in Forces

We Were There was officially launched on Monday by Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC and is open to members of the public until Friday, February 3.

The exhibition documents the last 250 years of Britain’s military heritage, from the late eighteenth century and both world wars through to the modern day.

Originally from Grenada, Lance Corporal Beharry joined the British Army in 2001, enlisting into the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment.

He is the first person to receive the Victoria Cross since 1982 and the first non-posthumous member of the British Forces since the 1960s to be awarded the medal for bravery.

He said: “In the army you’re a soldier first and foremost. Your race, religion or gender doesn’t come into it. You’re there to do an important job and everyone is equal.

“The We Were There exhibition helps highlight this, as well as recognising the contribution made by different countries, cultures and communities in keeping Britain safe.

“One thing that I noticed when I first saw the exhibition was the number of untold, yet amazingly brave and courageous stories the Armed Forces can tell.

“It’s truly an inspirational exhibition with so many people’s tales to respect and admire.”

Entry into the exhibition, now running at the Cutlers Hall, is free. It has previously been in Leeds and Bradford and is set to next move to Middlesborough.