What do you get when you mix bravery, ingenuity, and good old-fashioned grit? You get Charles Upham, the Kiwi warrior who became a legend. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 21st September 1908, Upham is renowned for being the only combat soldier to receive two Victoria Crosses, the highest military award. His extraordinary feats during World War II put him leagues ahead of those who merely talk about bravery but wouldn't dare lift a finger in the name of freedom.
Upham began as a typical New Zealand kid, attending Canterbury University College where he earned a diploma in agriculture in 1930. But don't let the diploma fool you; farming was just the calm before the storm. When duty called during World War II, Upham enlisted in the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. His mission? To fight against tyranny in North Africa and Crete. His superhuman efforts there brought him fame and two Victoria Crosses, awarded for his near-mythical acts of courage.
His first Victoria Cross was awarded for his exploits in Crete in May 1941. Faced with a numerically superior foe, Upham charged forward, demonstrating what seems beyond possible. He headlined multiple attacks, taking on enemy positions not with overwrought dialogue but with action. He personally destroyed numerous German machine guns and shot down enemy soldiers even when orders were confusing and supplies dwindled. And they say a diploma in agriculture is useless.
His second Victoria Cross came after a string of valiant acts during the first Battle of El Alamein in 1942. Upham was wounded multiple times but did that slow him down? Absolutely not. Even with a fractured arm and a deep shrapnel wound, he repelled enemy offensives and led his men bravely. Imagine the sheer grit needed to carry on despite such adversity! Yet, courageous acts like these are overlooked by those who think heroism is posting a hashtag on social media.
Upham avoided any whiff of glory or celebrity. He shrugged off medals and squirmed under the limelight, believing it was his duty, and only the shadows of inflated egos seek public validation. Modern armchair critics could learn something from his brand of quiet virtue and devotion.
Captured by the Germans, one would think Upham had played his best hand, but no. In captivity, he exhausted every possible escape plan, becoming a thorn in the side of the Nazi war machine. His will and determination refused to be broken. Even in detention, his mind was sharper, ready to seize any opportunity to bring his enemies to their knees. That's genuine dedication.
His post-war life captures the essence of humility that many in today’s culture might find puzzling. Returning to New Zealand, Upham sought no special treatment or political office. He continued his work in agriculture, just like any citizen would, committing his time to the community and the land. This wasn't a time of likes, tweets, or attention-seeking stunts. This was real life.
His legacy isn’t merely a story of awards or accolades. It's a testament to a life devoted to the values of courage, duty, and service—qualities that seem endangered today. Perhaps it's time to remember and celebrate Charles Upham for what he truly was: a quintessential hero. A hero who didn’t just stand for freedom but also fought, bled, and lived in service to a greater cause—a cause worth every sacrifice he made.