FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: CPT Charles Hazlett Upham VC ~ 14 October 2024

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

CPT Charles Hazlitt Upham VC

           

Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham VC and bar (September 21, 1908 - November 22, 1994) was a New Zealand solider 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.

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

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

Follow 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.

 

First Victoria Cross

In March 1941 his battalion left for Greece and then withdrew to Crete, and it was here, as a Second Lieutenant, that he was wounded in the action in which he gained his first Victoria Cross.

The Victoria Cross was received for his actions from May 22, 1941 until May 30, 1941.

He displayed outstanding gallantry in close-quarter fighting, when blown up by two mortar shells and badly wounded. In spite of this and an attack of dysentery which reduced him to a skeletal appearance, he refused hospital treatment and carried a badly wounded man to safety when forced to retire. Eight days later he beat off an attack at Sphakia, 22 Germans falling to his accurate fire.
 

Second Victoria Cross

Upham was evacuated to Egypt. Now promoted to the rank of Captain. He received the bar for his actions on July 14, 1941 and July 15, 1941.

When leading his company attacking an enemy held ridge overlooking the El Alamein battlefield, he was wounded twice but took the objective after fierce fighting. He personally destroyed a German tank, several guns and vehicles with grenades. Upham was shot through the elbow with a machine gun bullet and had his arm shattered, he went on again to a forward position and brought back some of his men who had become isolated.

After his wounds were dressed, he returned to his men but was again severely wounded and unable to move. He was eventually overrun by the superior weight of the enemy forces and taken as a prisoner of war.

After being captured by the Germans, he was sent to an Italian Hospital to recuperate. During captivity he attempted to escape numerous times before being branded "dangerous" by the Germans and incarcerated in the infamous prison fortress Colditz castle.

Post War

Charles Upham returned to New Zealand in September 1945 and ceased Expeditionary Force service in November 1945. Shortly afterward his return he married Molly McTamney.

Following the war Charles Upham took up the New Zealand government's scheme of offering ex-soldiers the chance of a farm of their own. He lived out the rest of his life in peace and solitude on his farm in Hunadlee, North Canterbury.

Charles Upham died on November 22, 1994 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The ashes of Upham were buried in the graveyard of St. Paul's Church Papanui, following his death.

When King George VI enquired to Major-General Kippenberger whether Upham deserved a Bar to the Cross, Kippenberger replied, "In my respectful opinion, sir, Upham has won the VC several times over."

Information found here.

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[PROCON]

Good evening Kathy and thanks for honoring tonight’s Hero!

[radu]

Greetings to all at the Canteen!

To all our military men and women, past and present,

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Pro...hope you’ve had a nice, relaxing weekend.

More rain here, but no complaints...I’m not ready for snow just yet. LOL!

[MoochPooch]

Evening, Kathy! Thanks for another inspiring bio.

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ Hall of Heroes: CPT Charles Hazlett Upham VC ~

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Hi Everybody!

(((HUGS)))

[The Mayor]

Simple Acts of Kindness

Bible in a Year :

• Isaiah 43-44
• 1 Thessalonians 2

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

When my mom was in hospice and nearing her last days on earth, I was touched by the genuine kindness of a nursing home caregiver. After gently lifting my frail mother from her chair and tucking her into bed, the nursing assistant caressed Mom’s head while leaning over her to say, “You are so sweet.” Then she asked how I was doing. Her kindness moved me to tears then and still does today.

Hers was a simple act of kindness, but it was just what I needed in that moment. It helped me to cope, knowing that in this woman’s eyes my mom wasn’t just a patient. She cared for and saw her as a person of great worth.

When Naomi and Ruth were bereft after the loss of their husbands, Boaz showed kindness to Ruth by allowing her to glean leftover grain behind the harvesters. He even ordered the male harvesters to leave her alone (Ruth 2:8-9). His kindness was prompted by Ruth’s care for Naomi: “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband” (v. 11). He saw her not as a foreigner or widow but as a woman in need.

God wants us to “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). As God helps us, our simple acts of kindness can cheer hearts, bring hope, and inspire kindness in others.

Reflect & Pray

Where are you finding your social support? Who can you support with your friendship?

Thank You, Father, for those You’ve placed in my life who’ve kept the mountains in perspective.

[radu]

Howdy, Kathy.

I hope you’re making good progress today getting everything lined up for tomorrow.

Looks like the clouds are trying to break up today.

[Gay State Conservative]

The Victoria Cross is awarded to military men and women of the Commonwealth nations...Britain,Canada,Australia,New Zealand and others. It’s the highest honor a military man/woman can be awarded...equivalent to our Medal of Honor.

[radu]

Howdy, PRO.

Have a good weekend? Any plans for another trip to the shooting range in the near future?

Pretty quiet here. The calm before the storm. LOL Gonna be a busy couple of weeks ahead.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, radu...hope some of the crud floating in your air is settling and you can breathe.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mooch...he is for sure a New Zealand hero. And one we should remember as well.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...prayers continue for your BIL and family.

Is your weather holding up?

[radu]

Heya, Kathy.

Nope, the air is still full of dust and will be until we get some rain. I looked out just before sunset this evening and the layer of dirt in the air was quite visible. Blue sky overhead but a thick brown line all along the horizon.
Gonna be a rough time at the Republican women’s tent for early voting.

[luvie]

Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham, VC and bar
September 21, 1908 - November 22, 1994
A New Zealand solider who won the Victoria Cross
Twice during World War II
What a brave hero he was!

[PROCON]

Thanks Kathy, real nice weekend here weather-wise but the nice, warm 70 degree temps are about to leave us for real Fall weather.

Well, I certainly hope you don't get snow too early this Fall!

[PROCON]

Hiya radu!

Very lazy weekend my way, the weather has been beautiful but I won't have to use my A/C for too much longer as the real Fall weather approaches.

Son and I are headed back out to the range this upcoming week so that'll be fun and good practice time!

Are the precious kittehs behavin' themselves?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Pro!!

1st!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

radu!!

2nd!!