Charles Upham

Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham, VC and bar (September 21 1908 ? November 22 1994) was a New Zealand soldier who won the Victoria Cross twice during World War II. Earning the Victoria Cross and Bar for outstanding gallantry and leadership in Crete in May 1941, and at Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt, in July 1942. He is only the third person to receive the Victoria Cross twice and the only combat soldier to receive the award twice (the others are Arthur Martin-Leake and N.G. Chavasse, both Royal Army Medical Corps).

Related Topics:
Captain - VC and bar - September 21 - 1908 - November 22 - 1994 - New Zealand - World War II - Crete - 1941 - Ruweisat Ridge - Egypt - July - 1942 - Arthur Martin-Leake - N.G. Chavasse

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Upham was born in Christchurch, New Zealand on September 21 1908. He was educated at Christ's College, Canterbury and Canterbury Agricultural College where he earned a Diploma in Agriculture.

Related Topics:
Christchurch, New Zealand - September 21 - 1908 - Christ's College, Canterbury - Canterbury Agricultural College

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He worked first as a sheep farmer, later as manager, and then as farm valuer for the government of New Zealand.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Following the outbreak of World War II, Upham immediately volunteered for service, citing his reason for doing so as the desire to fight for justice. He enlisted in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in October 1939 and left for Egypt with the advance party of the 2nd NZEF in December 1939 as a sergeant in the 20th NZ Battalion. He was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in November 1940.

Related Topics:
October - 1939 - December - November - 1940

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~