Charles Hazlitt Upham

The Soldier to Earn the Victoria Cross Twice

Some acts of bravery become legends. Others redefine the meaning of courage itself. Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham remains one of the most extraordinary soldiers in military history as the only combat soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross and Bar during the Second World War. His unwavering determination, fearless leadership, and repeated acts of selfless heroism on the battlefields of North Africa made him an enduring symbol of courage for New Zealand and the Commonwealth.

Born on 21 September 1908 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Upham was educated at Christ's College before studying agriculture at Canterbury Agricultural College. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, he worked as a farmer, a profession that reflected the quiet determination and resilience that would later define his military career. In 1939, he volunteered for service with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, joining the 20th Battalion and preparing to serve overseas.

Upham first distinguished himself during the Battle of Crete in May 1941. Despite being repeatedly wounded, he continued leading attacks, destroying enemy positions, rescuing wounded comrades under heavy fire, and refusing evacuation until his mission was complete. His extraordinary gallantry earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for valor in the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

His courage reached an even greater level during the First Battle of El Alamein in Egypt in July 1942. Again seriously wounded multiple times, Upham repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire while directing attacks, destroying machine gun positions, and encouraging his men to continue the assault despite overwhelming opposition. His actions were so exceptional that he received a Bar to the Victoria Cross, becoming the only combat soldier of the Second World War to receive the decoration twice.

Captured later in 1942, Upham became almost as famous for his determination as a prisoner of war as he had been in battle. He made numerous escape attempts, repeatedly challenging his captors with remarkable courage and persistence. Because of his continual efforts to escape, the Germans eventually transferred him to the heavily guarded Colditz Castle, where he remained until the end of the war in 1945.

His distinguished wartime service was recognized with the Victoria Cross and Bar, the 1939–1945 Star, the Africa Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939–1945 with a Mention in Despatches, and the New Zealand War Service Medal. In later years, he also received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, and the Grand Cross with Gold Badge of Egypt's National Order of Honour and Merit, reflecting both national gratitude and international recognition of his extraordinary service.

Despite worldwide admiration, Upham remained famously humble. He rarely spoke about his wartime achievements and consistently rejected personal acclaim, insisting that the bravery displayed by his fellow soldiers deserved equal recognition. His modesty became as legendary as his battlefield heroics, earning him immense respect both within New Zealand and around the world.

Today, Charles Hazlitt Upham is remembered as one of the greatest soldiers in Commonwealth history. His unparalleled achievement as the only combat soldier to receive the Victoria Cross and Bar during the Second World War, combined with his quiet humility and unwavering devotion to duty, ensures that his legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers, historians, and all those who value courage in the face of impossible odds.