BASSINGBOURN, England, December 22, 2006 - A young Grenadian on December 21 delivered a Christmas gift of sorts to his family.
Along with 144 other young soldiers, Private Jeffery Beharry successfully completed his Phase One training at a Passing Out parade held at the Army Training Regiment, Bassingbourn. Jeffery, 23, is the younger brother of Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for two separate acts of outstanding gallantry of the highest order whilst based in Al Amarah, Iraq in 2004.
"Although Johnson is in Grenada, I had my aunty and five cousins watching me today," said Jeffery. "I feel happy with successfully finishing Phase One training. "I made a good effort and I'm proud to have passed out from the course."
The parade's Inspecting Officer, Brigadier Bill Moore, late of the Royal Artillery, stressed to the whole parade that they had made 'Really significant achievements' during the first part of their Army careers.
"The toughest part of the course was understanding the English accents," added Jeffery who was born and brought up in the Caribbean. "And this is my first experience of a British winter so I've never been this cold before!"
Private Beharry will now move on to the Defence College of Logistics in the New Year where he will train to become a driver in the Royal Logistic Corps.
Lance Corporal Beharry is spending his Christmas holidays with his family in Grenada.
