WW2 Hero Earns TWO Victoria Crosses! (Charles Upham) 

Do you think Uphams achievements were deserving of two Victoria Crosses? Or do you know a story of another brave soldier from WW2?

When I used to visit my Great Aunt in Christchurch (New Zealand) she lived only a few doors down from Captain Upham, I would always somehow manage to have some war storytime with Captain Upham. My Great Aunts husband of whom I only have a few memories (as he died when I was young), served with Captain Upham in Crete & North Africa. My Great Uncle also received a battlefield promotion (reluctantly) to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant & eventually to 1st Lieutenant, he also survived the war, never been captured, but was wounded on four occasions. But it was the highlight of my twice-yearly visit to Great-Aunt Hilda was to spend some time with Captain Charles Upham. I used to write to him frequently when I was not in Christchurch & he would always write back. He was & still is a superstar to me, although always very modest. Long may your exploits be remembered along with your humility & care for others, including former members of his unit & their families that had fallen on hard times in the post-WWII era. Goodbye my dear friend Charlie, I still miss our talks.

Kiwis don't shout about their exploits, they just get the job done. That was Upham.

My father was with him in Crete and Egypt and dad went on to Italy before coming home to marry my mother. In my hometown of Amberley in north Canterbury there is a statue of George. Dad cried at the unveiling, the First time i had seen him crying. And did the old man get pissed that day.

Upham's actions are the stuff of legends. I'm an Aussie. Parochial types like to say my country punches above it's weight in warfare. If that's the case, then the contribution of our sheep shagging friends across the pond is truly tremendous. The Kiwis were ferocious in WW1 and WW2. I dare say in a SHTF scenario in modern times, they would be equally so. They're lovely, friendly, welcoming nation, with a tiny Defence force. Speaking generally, their isolation has led to a great ingenuity and problem-solving mindset. Kiwis really know how to do stuff. They're never to be underestimated.

As Corporal Jones maintained, "They don't like it Upham!"

My great grandfather... Reginald Stanley Judson, VC , DSM , MM . Winning his medals in a five week period WW1. He won the Victoria Cross at the 1918s Battle of Bapaume for single-handedly overcoming 12 Germans in a machine-gun post. His citation reads: As a leader and inspirer of men he has no superior. He also served in WW2 Good to see all the posts here and to know the men and women who served and gave there lives are not forgotten. 🌷

A true leader of men. To have ones Officer go forward personally to recon an area. That truly shows Upham's commitment to his men. To lead by example and always from the front. Such a brave and fierce warrior. Very deserving of his two V.C medals. 💪🏼🙏🏻✨

Not surprised that gaining a VC and bar is so rare. Most VC recipients seem to get their first posthumously....

In fact his second VC was awarded for two separate actions, both of which merited the VC. Two was unheard of but 3 would have been unheard of, so they awarded him the second as a combined award.

From my home town. Great New Zealander. I visited his grave a couple of months ago. Like the man himself, it is modest and amongst his family.

I was in the 100 man guard at both Upham VC & Bars funeral 1994 and Jack Hinton VC’s Funeral the following year 1995 both men were from the same Battalion the 20th Btn I was with 2/1 RNZIR based at Burnham Military Camp

A selfless and caring man whose only thoughts were for others. RIP

I am always humbled by New Zealand's immense contribution during WW11. Charles Upham's leadership and commitment to his men was outstanding.

Queen Victoria chose the final design of the Victoria Cross, suggesting the motto ‘For Valour’ she explained that the original design that had the words "For Gallantry" was unacceptable to her as "every man who faces the enemy, risks their life and this is a Gallant endeavour!" but true Valour better describes the reason for awarding this medal!

It is rumoured that Chuck Norris was so frightened of this man that he still has nightmares.

The one dislike is a disappointed soul that this chap only got two VC's.

Seem to recall he was known for solo night time forays into enemy lines with a sack full of grenades. His was not bravery alone, but an ability and skill set that enabled him achieve what he did. The Fallschirmjager and Afrika Korps that he fought were no push over either.

A giant among heroes. A leader who lead from the front. Captain Upham was an extraordinary human being, leader, and soldier. An inspiration who is not given enough credit for his exploits.

I am in awe of this mans bravery, tenacity, commitment and leadership.

I have been Badgering Sir Peter Jackson for over 10 years to make a film about Upham

"When I got my medal I was disappointed to find I was the only New Zealander to get one at Gallipoli, because hundreds of Victoria Crosses should have been awarded there. All my mates ever got were wooden crosses." Cyril Bassett VC. (1892-1983). Another version goes " All my mate got was a wooden cross".

At it's time of greatest need the UK was lucky to be able to call on our Commonwealth partners, many battles would of been lost without them, and valour shown by the likes of Charles Upham should never be forgotten, we truly owe a massive debt to that generation, the likes of will never be seen again.

God Bless Charles Upham!! He's my hero!!! Rest In Peace, good sir!!

Capt Upham deserved the bar to his VC. It should also be noted that during the action in Crete he was also suffering from dysentery. An extremely brave and humble man - from what I've read he would have preferred his men acknowledged than himself. A true Kiwi legend.

Fantastic story! I had never heard of Upham. Thank you for telling his story New Zealand should be proud that they produced such a hero.

Only three people have been awarded the VC and Bar, the bar representing a second award of the VC. They are Noel Chavasse and Arthur Martin-Leake, both doctors in the Royal Army Medical Corps, for rescuing wounded under fire; and New Zealander Charles Upham, an infantryman, for combat actions.

TVNZ This is your life. Did a show for Charles Upham. A very private and quiet man. A true gentleman and a fine Kiwi

Wow what a soldier! Tough to imagine what he went through with seeming indifference. Thank you for your service, sir. R. I. P.

I read that when he returned to New Zealand, the people had contributed to a fund to buy him a farm. He turned down their kind offer and bought the farm with a loan. He then refused to allow any German built vehicle to come onto his farm, such was his contempt for the Germans.

This is a MAN, if ever I saw one RIP sir

What a man what a soldier!! The epitomy of every recipient of the VC. It's a dead man's decoration in most cases. And in my opinion any man awarded that medal that wasn't KIA getting it would undoubtedly earned more.. true fearless courageous warrior men!! Can't believe this is the first time I've heard of such a hero. Respect and Rip!!

A very brave man indeed. For those interested in VC Recipients check this man out he also won 2 VCs. Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC & Bar, MC was a British medical doctor, Olympic athlete, and British Army officer from the Chavasse family. He is one of only three people to be awarded a Victoria Cross twice. He won his in WW1

There should be movies made of people with VC's and a bar. In the USA, they make a movie of your exploits if you get a purple heart.

I am an ex-pat Englishman, and until 17 years ago had never heard of Charles Upham or his double VC. What a hero he was. I am proud to say that one of the other double VCs was an ex-pupil at my school. That being Magdalen College School Oxford, and the double VC winner being Captain Noel Chavasse VC and bar.

Upham was a humble bloke and shunned admiration and publicity after the war. Wanting everyone to know his fellow soldiers he fought alongside that deserved the credit. Arguably he's not New Zealand's most decorated soldier though. That title could go to James Waddell a Kiwi who was in The French Foreign Legion? Upham is certainly the most famous by a long shot though. Thanks for keeping his legacy alive.

I once heard a sort of joke, saying one had to be mad to earn the Victoria Cross to get to one would have to be insane.

He was not the only soldier ever to win a bar to the VC. Arthur Martin-Leake won the VC during the Boer War, and then repeated the feat during WW1; Noel Godfrey Chavasse won the VC in WW1, and later was killed in action; he was awarded a bar to his VC posthumously.

Three Soldiers laid the wreath at CPT Upham's funeral service, One Brit Soldier, one Aussie, and one Kiwi, I was the Kiwi. I had also personally met CPT Upham twice. A great man!

I meet Sir Charles Upham on several occasions, the first time was at the Christchurch Club where am I then wife was a chef and he was a member, when he got up to leave I went out through the kitchen door and met him at the restaurant door which I opened for him he asked me if he knew me I replied no sir but I certainly Know Who You Are. He lived in the same area of North Canterbury as my grandparents and I met him again at the RSA in Amberly where my grandfather are World War I veteran was a member. A quiet and unasuming man you would never guess at the exploits that earned him his two Victoria crosses. The two Awards were most definitely earnd and Sir Charles is a legend and hero to all New zealanders his statue stands outside the RSA and Amberley and is an inspiration to all that said and the fitting tribute to the man himself although he would never say so.

They don’t like it Upham, what a man, a soldier and a leader

There's a story of a pilot who had suffered 72 individual wounds to his body while flying a mission over Germany, he held on against all odds and landed the plane saving his crew. He didn't win the VC because he showed too much regard for his own life.

When he died (1994?) the whole of New Zealand stopped for two minutes to honour this man. Lest We Forget. RIP

Thanks for the video. There is precious little about Upham's exploits on the web. Couple of minor things of note. In addition to being badly wounded during the heroics of his first VC, he was also terribly ill with dysentery. And when you said he jumped from a moving German prisoner truck and broke his ankle during one of multiple escape attempts, he still made it almost 400 metres. Under fire.

My great uncle Lou was in the POW camp with him when the photo of him relaxing with a smoke in the middle of barbed wire with a cheeky smile on his face, uncle Lou told me the Luftwaffe guards were terrified of him but respected him hugely, on 1 escape attempt from a Stalag Lift camp, the guards refused to shoot at him, they were in awe of his bravery. After the war, he absolutely refused to allow any German machinery on his farm.....that is the measure of his resolve, a great and humble man.

Rommel said on many occasions that he hated facing New Zealanders, great outdoorsmen and exceptional troops, especially 28th New Zealand infantry regiment, Maori battalion.

That was a wonderful informative video, well presented and produced, well narated, very well done.

We had the greatest pleasure of hosting Charles and Molly on most Anzac day's. Him with his Gin and very little water [ said it kept him young when asked ] He enjoyed his time at Burnham as he got to spend it with Friend's and comrades. He was so humble he hated the formalities of being a VC X2 WINNER

Earning one is, almost, impossible. Winning two, unreal.

He is a tribute to his country and the cause of freedom.

Something they failed to mention is his wife's relative was a double VC winner capt noel chavasse A doctor, as for me captain upham greatest achievement was taking the money collected for him and starting a scholarship to help the children of fellow kiwis a true man of honour and humility and some one to try and emulate

Noel chavasse got 2 VC,s in the great war . Another true hero

Lord Ashcroft recently said ,No frontline Operative will ever earn two V.Cs again ,,,,,,,,,Mr Upham will hold the Absolute Honor in the Perils of world War 2 as being the most Decorated Commonwealth Soldier of the War and only Combat recipient to receive two V.Cs the only other two Incredible recipients being Medical Personnel. Be Proud New Zealand 🇳🇿

And to think the second citation was given in response to a recommendation for 2 more but combined to become one.

I read a really good book about Charles Upham (I think it was called "Mark of the Lion"). A couple of things that I can remember from the book were... i) His actions warranted the award of three VCs (At least). ii) After his failed escape attempt the commanding German officer came out to see what was happening. Upon seeing Charles Upham casually smoking a cigarette whist being caught in the barbed wire fence, He abruptly about faced and went back into his office. This was followed by awkward period where nobody knew what they were supposed to do. The German guards kept their guns pointed at Charles, awaiting further orders. After a while the commanding German officer returns with his camera and takes a picture of Charles (The one you see at 7:05). Apparently he could see the funny side of the situation.

2:05 Talking about Crete in 1941, shows a scene from Gallipoli in 1915.

What a dear man. Thank you so much for the people who came after.

You had to do a lot to earn a VC as a Colonial. This guy certainly did.

My paternal grandfather Gustav Suhr was in 22 Battalion B'Co with Charlie Upham. Upham and a platoon of troops from B'co 22btn held Marleime Airfield on Crete while under sustained and heavy attack by German aircraft and Paratroopers. Eventually they were using German weapons as they had run out of ammo. My grandfather, Gustav Suhr was the last Bren gunner on Marleime airfield before the retreat. He and Upham were friends after the war

Hello and thanks for this post. Captain Upham, what a great chap. Absolutely impossible and yet probably a quiet gentleman warrior. Surely a lesson for many here and now. Great channel and history can indeed teach people answers.

Congratulations on a superb piece. I can only wonder at the character of the man. It seems to me that he combined fearlessness and leadership; they don’t always go together. I have just subscribed and am now going to look at your other pieces. Not having seen your library yet, can I say that I would like to see pieces on heroes on every side. Irrespective of nationality, the tales of exceptional people should be heard. We owe them that - and so much more

One of favourite stories about Charles Upham VC and Bar (When he was crossing enemy lines in North Africa): "At one point the vehicle became bogged down in the sand, so Upham coolly ordered some nearby Italian soldiers to push it free. Though they were somewhat surprised to be given an order by one of the enemy, Upham's expression left them in no doubt that he should be obeyed."

They say he should have received 3 VC’s!

My dad fought with him in the 1st Echelon of the Famous 20th Battalion (A South Island Battalion) in the 2nd NZEF, my dad was in Charlies Company; My dad became a Sergeant and a Tank Commander after being wounded and taken POW in operation Crusader. My mom and dad got very well with Charlie and Molly Upham, but my dad said he was partly mad, and he had to be to do what he did. My mom and Dad, and Charlie and Molly Upham as well as well as a number of the survivors of the 1st Echelon of the 20th ended up catching up with the survivors of the Fallschirmjager in 1981, the 40th anniversary of the battle of Crete. The Germans put them on a "Right Fuss" my said the food and wine was amazing. I could go on as when I was at University, in the holidays I would come home to the Farm, and when I was of age I was allowed to play waiter in the lounge when dad had his old mates from the 20th come to visit. I wished I recorded the conversations! the 20th Battalion was probably the most highly decorated Battalion in the British Empire; it also suffered 397 KIA out of approximately 1,000 men! I could go on about Charlie, but let him RIP.

Wow ! What a man ! Brilliant video, I've subscribed.

It's difficult comparing Victoria Crosses with the Medal of Honor. The size of the armies and engagements fought. Maybe the VC's were harder to come by, maybe not. I have read Capt Uphams 'the Mark of the Lion' and his exploits were remarkable. He lived in the area I live in and there is a statue to him in North Canterbury. Thanks for the video.

How could anyone dislike this? I'll be in Amberly tomorrow and will check out Charles Upham's memorial .

Thanks for this salute and respect 👍🇳🇿

Glad he was on our side

The MAN deserved all the VC's efforts he put in to help ALL of us to not live in a DICKTATOR Dominated Rule. The WORLD will I am afraid to say needs people like this NOW! Cheers KIWI Brothers, John, Australia.

Fantastic bravery, very well reported indeed. Thank you.

This story was so inspiring that I have ordered the book about Upham's story, Mark of the Lion, it looks like a good read.

He lived not far from me,but never met him unfortunately.When he got out of Colditz he tried to join the Yanks to go into action with them apparently!

Two things stand out here in gaining both VC's , one shear bravery and the ability to practice his craft owing to a world war.

2 VC's don't seem enough, what a man.

Must have had special tailoring to his uniform - extra large pockets for all those grenades he used so well, plus extra room in the crotch area so his big brass ones wouldn’t chafe too much (there was a war on and only so much material available for brass ones that big!). What an absolute hero.

If you can get a copy, read Mark of the Lion. The story of Upham. Great book. Read it many times. But then read just about any book, including Infantry Brigadier, by Kippenberger, or any about the men who fought and they are a fascinating view into those days and the men who fought.

I have a theory that because New Zealand is quite a "new" country, that the residents from 100 years ago were tough nuts after pioneering this country and working on farms, etc.

Phenomenal story of strength & courage 👏👏👏👏👏 RIP

This man was born with the secret of the valiant.

I was privileged to meet Charles Upham a number of times in his later years. He was not a big man but he exuded an air of determination which was palpable. He also possessed a strikingly piercing gaze which was quite unnerving.

I met him a few months before his death, i addressed him as sir charles and he just asked me to drop the "sir" when he died the service was held at the christchurch anglican cathedral . ( pre earthquake) the church was full, most of the surrounding town square was too.

A very brave man! God Bless him and others like him who fought for our freedom! I'm so grateful to them

1942: An entire generation of 19-20-somethings resolve to win WW2, no matter the cost. 2021: Starbucks loses internet access and an entire generation of 19-20-somthings shit their pants.

Great soldier but is still underappreciated here in NZ, IMHO.

I believe he was married in the UK at New Milton, Hampshire, just after the war, while he was in the UK to be awarded his VC's. It was then when my Grandfather (Arthur Upham) met him. All who fought in WW2 were very brave.

One hell of a brave man! RIP Captain Charles Upham VC and Bar

Both my Grandfather and Great Grandfather were on Crete serving in 19th Infantry and Armour Regiment My Great Grandfather commanding the Battalion as the Commanding officer was wounded in the retreat from Greece my Grandfather a private in the same Btn he was captured on Crete

Its not "lootenant" its "left-tennant" for british and commonwealth ranks

That's how you stick it UPHAM. We need an army of these people...though I feel sure...luck played a big part. Unbelievable effort though, a great man.

A friend of my dad and as kids we used to visit his farm in North Canterbury, New Zealand.

Easy to see he came from "Down Under". R.I.P. Charles.

In 1996 I arrived in New Zealand. Charles Upham was unknown to me. The statue referred to towards the end of the video is however very well known to me. Mark White is the artist who created the statue clay. Looking back I can now say that it was an honor to cast the bronze version. Bronze casting statues was my job at the time. It took several days to put all the parts together and I look back to a rather nice time with Mark. Once the statue was unveiled I started reading about Charles Upham. He was a remarkable man indeed. A true leader and hero. People in New Zealand should never forget that men like him fought for the freedom we have today. Charles Upham had put all his might into destroying enemy (Nazi Germany). He disliked racism with a vengeance. I can only hope that the statue I helped to create may be a reminder to people what he fought for.

One of my distant relatives was the ww1 most decorated enlisted soldier, also a VC winner. He was a medic. My grandfather a medic in ww2, had a Purple Heart, and a French medal, he was English.

Just another awesome Kiwi - were all brilliant he's just an exceptionally awesome Kiwi!

some men are born without a pain response in their brain. This guy was born without fear

I stayed with Upham's daughter and her husband, a real character in his own right and still have a photograph of me holding Upham's miniatures which have the VC and Bar. What happened to his actual VC is another interesting story...

What a true legend, I would of been honoured to have met him.

Subscribed mate 👍

What can I say about this superhuman being? If only I had such courage.