Charles Upham

Charles Upham was a New Zealand farmer turned soldier whose name became synonymous with extreme bravery during the Second World War. Serving with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, he displayed a level of tactical skill and indifference to danger that earned him the highest military decoration in the British Empire on two separate occasions.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1908, Upham attended Christ’s College and later studied at Canterbury Agricultural College, now Lincoln University. Before the war, he worked as a farm manager and musterer in the rugged Canterbury high country, developing the physical and mental toughness that would define his military service.

Following the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Upham joined the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was deployed to Egypt in late 1939 and completed officer training, eventually rising to the rank of captain.

In May 1941, during the Battle of Crete, Upham led his platoon in a series of fierce engagements against German forces. Despite being wounded multiple times and suffering from dysentery, he refused medical evacuation, personally destroying enemy machine-gun nests and leading his men to safety. In July 1942, at Ruweisat Ridge in Egypt, he again displayed immense courage. Though wounded twice, he continued to lead his company, destroying enemy vehicles with grenades before being captured by German forces.

Upham's defining moment occurred at Ruweisat Ridge, where, despite being severely wounded by gunfire and shrapnel, he insisted on remaining with his men to lead the final assault, an act of defiance that ultimately led to his capture and the later awarding of a Bar to his Victoria Cross.

After his capture, Upham was held in various prisoner-of-war camps, including the notorious Colditz Castle. He made several daring escape attempts throughout his captivity. He was finally liberated in 1945 and was presented with his awards by King George VI.

Following the war, Upham returned to farming in New Zealand. He remained a humble figure, often insisting that his awards were a reflection of the bravery of the men he served with rather than his own individual actions. He passed away in 1994.

Upham remains a singular figure in military history as the only combat soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice. His story serves as a testament to the endurance and leadership of the New Zealand forces during the North African and Mediterranean campaigns.

1. [T1] NZ History (Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage) — "Charles Upham" (https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/charles-upham), accessed 2026-11-02
2. [T1] The Gazette — "WWII Victoria Cross recipients" (https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/100536), accessed 2026-11-02
3. [T2] Britannica Kids — "Charles Upham" (https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Charles-Upham/633144), accessed 2026-11-02