The Sandbag Times Issue No: 20

The Historical Tommy Atkins
Upon his return to New Zealand, the
community had raised £10,000 to buy him a farm.
He declined their offer but the money raised went
into a Scholarship scheme (in his name) for
children of ex-servicemen to study at Lincoln
College or the University of Canterbury.
He went on to obtain a war rehabilitation loan
and used it to buy a farm on Conway Flat,
Hundalee, North Canterbury, and for the remainder
of his life he refused to allow any German
manufactured machinery or cars onto his property.
Although he struggled with his injuries, he
became a successful farmer and also served on the
board of governors of Christ’s College for 20
years. He and Molly had three daughters, and lived
on their farm until January 1994, when Upham’s
poor health forced them to retire to Christchurch.
In addition to his Victoria Cross and Bar he
was also presented with the Order of Honour by
the Government of Greece, in recognition of his
service in the Battles of Greece and Crete in 1992.
Upham died on 22nd November 1994 in
Canterbury, (2 months after his 86th birthday),
surrounded by his family. His funeral was held in
Christchurch Cathedral (which no longer stands)
and was conducted with full military honours.
Such was the respect for this man that over 5,000
people lined the streets of Christchurch.
On 5 May 1995 a memorial service was held in
London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields Church to mark
his death. This service was attended by
representatives for the Royal Family, senior New
Zealand government and political figures, senior
members of the British and New Zealand armed
forces, Valerian Freyberg, 3rd Baron Freyberg,
grandson of VC holder Lord Freyberg, the
commander of Allied forces in Crete and 7th
Governor-General of New Zealand, representatives
of veterans’ organisations and other VC and
George Cross holders.
Upham was held in such high esteem that the
Royal New Zealand Navy named a ship after him,
HMNZS Charles Upham, which was
commissioned in 1995, and decommissioned in
2001. There is a bronze statue that stands outside
the Hurunui District Council buildings in
Amberley, North Canterbury, depicting Charles
Upham “the observer”. A street in suburban
Christchurch is named Charles Upham Avenue,
and a street in Havelock North, Hawkes Bay,
named Upham Street. Also more recently, in
August 2011, a Jetconnect Boeing 737-800 was
named Charles Upham.
This amazing man who displayed such courage,
endurance and gallantry has made such an impact
on military history and the New Zealand people
that his name will be remembered & respected for
many years to come.
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