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Charles Hazlitt Upham

The theft of war medals from the Waiōuru Army Museum has been described by Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner as a theft from the nation.

Most media coverage of the stolen medals has naturally enough focused on the loss of Charles Upham’s VC and Bar, as he is the only man to win the award in combat twice in its 151-year history. Lord Michael Ashcroft, who has the largest collection of Victoria Crosses in the world, has described the Upham VC and Bar as the ‘Holy Grail’ of VCs. However, a glance at biographies on the DNZB of other soldiers whose medals were stolen shows they were all extraordinary kiwi soldiers.

Alfred Clive Hulme, 1911–1982, VC, WWII
He was renowned for stalking snipers, a task for which he volunteered. Hulme’s unit came under heavy fire during the final withdrawal from Stylos, Crete. Hulme infiltrated enemy lines, stalking and shooting their snipers from the rear. He killed 33 snipers before being seriously wounded.

David Russell, 1911–1945, George Cross, WWII
He was taken prisoner of war in Italy. He was beaten and threatened with death during interrogation, but refused to yield. When it was suggested that he could save his life by informing on others he said, ‘Let them shoot me’. Just before his execution by firing squad he requested a last cigarette. When asked if he had any final words, he shook his head, threw away the cigarette and stood to attention.

Reginald Stanley Judson, 1881-1972, VC, WWI
Judson was involved in numerous acts of bravery during World War I. During one of the actions which led to his VC, ‘he mounted a parapet and ordered an enemy machine-gun crew of about 12 men to surrender. When they fired on him he threw a hand grenade in their midst, then single-handedly killed two and put the others to flight, thereby capturing two machine-guns.’ He was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.

Keith Elliott, 1916–1989, VC, WWII
‘Under heavy fire, he … led seven men in a bayonet charge across open ground, seizing four machine-gun posts and an anti-tank gun. Coming under fire from another gun post, he charged and captured it on his own. Although badly wounded, he led his men to friendly lines and handed over 130 prisoners.”