FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: CPT Charles Hazlitt Upham VC ~ 27 June 2022

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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.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[radu]

Howdy, E.G.C. ((HUGZ))

Did you and Gizmo have cooler temps for your outing yesterday? Have to beat back crowds? :-)

[luvie]

We’re mostly just enjoying hanging out. We watched Piper rehearse for a play she’s doing and that was fun. She’s quite the extrovert.

Momma ducks...or eagles or owls...would die for their babies. Even before they hatch. Unlike some humans. Sorry to get “political” but I’m so disgusted with some humans. LOL!

[luvie]

It was forecast to rain Monday, but I didn’t think it would start 5 minutes after Monday started. LOL! It was nice. I think it will rain off and on all day. I sure don’t mind.

I wish the rain hadn’t fizzles over there. I know the crops are screaming for some water.

[E.G.C.]

It felt much much better yesterday. We got to do a lot of the usual stuff out there.

We also enjoyed supper from KFC yesterday.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning, E...((HUGS))...looks like Gizmo had a great time on his adventures.

Hope the cooling continues so you and Gizmo can continie those adventures on Monday.

[radu]

Nice to hear and feel rain after so long, isn’t it? Now if it would just do it back at home, right?

I don’t know if the crops are going to make it til next weekend. They’re desperate for rain right now and missing out this evening hurt. It sux because everything was looking so beautiful a short time ago. I was just outside a few minutes ago and the grass is barely damp. Not enough dewfall to help keep plants limping along.

Farmers’ hearts are aching.

[radu]

It looks like Gizmo enjoyed the cooler temps. Happy face.
KFC made him even happier. :-)

[left that other site]

“absinence” is one of those big vocabulary words that Tippy has not yet mastered. LOL! :-)

((((She’s Building Up My Bicepts!)))

[luvie]

It was nice and it IS supposed to rain tomorrow at home, but I’m not holding my breath.

Poor farmers. I hope those crops can hang in there. :(

[luvie]

BAM!

[luvie]

Well, g'mornin', Early Birds!
I'm up "early" this morning!
Did all of you have a great weekend?
We did...visiting kids is wonderful!
It's darn hot, though! Ugh!
Hope all y'all have a Mahv'lus Monday..
...and a Wonderful Week!
(((hugs)))

[Tanniker Smith]

Good morning, luvie. Good morning all!

Last couple of days in school in NYC for teachers. (Last day for students).

Gray and raining outside. Still grading state exams. Such is life.

Have a great day, everyone!

[luvie]

Howdy, Tann! Good to see you and I hope you have a great summer vacation! Geeee, you guys get out pretty late. When does school start there?

[Tanniker Smith]

School starts after Labor Day, working around the Jewish holidays as well.

[luvie]

Roger that. Our kids start in August and get out at the end of May. My youngest granddaughter said that it was way hot in August when they started last year. They had just moved to Texas from Wyoming. LOL!

Enjoy your summer!