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Mark of the Lion: the Story of Charles Upham VC & Bar
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Brief Description
Mark of the Lion: the Story of Charles Upham VC & Bar is an engrossing biography that explores the life of Charles Upham, one of the most astonishing war heroes of New Zealand. Authored by Kenneth Sandford, this monumental work delves into the extraordinary narrative of...
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Mark of the Lion: the Story of Charles Upham VC & Bar
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Charles Upham was the great New Zealand war hero. He was one of the few people in history to have won the Victoria Cross twice, setting new standards of personal heroism during World War II.
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Description
Mark of the Lion: the Story of Charles Upham VC & Bar is an engrossing biography that explores the life of Charles Upham, one of the most astonishing war heroes of New Zealand. Authored by Kenneth Sandford, this monumental work delves into the extraordinary narrative of a man who displayed unparalleled bravery and strategic genius during World War II.
Charles Upham, a softly spoken sheep farmer from Canterbury, became a legend by being one of the few individuals in history to be awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross not once, but twice. This remarkable feat set new standards for personal heroism and courage on the battlefield.
The story chronicles Upham's incredible actions on the front lines in Crete and North Africa. In Crete, Upham single-handedly destroyed enemy machine-gun posts and led audacious frontal assaults against German positions, underlining his extraordinary combat skills and fearless leadership. His heroics continued throughout the campaign in North Africa, where his exceptional bravery and tactical ingenuity earned him his second Victoria Cross.
However, his story is not confined to battlefield heroics alone. After being captured, Upham spent the remainder of the war in several prisoner-of-war camps, including the infamous Colditz Castle. Despite the dire conditions, Upham's tenacity and indomitable spirit did not wane. He made life a continual challenge for his German captors by engineering multiple inventive escape attempts, persistently upholding his drive for freedom and resistance.
Mark of the Lion: the Story of Charles Upham VC & Bar provides not only a vivid recounting of war-time bravery but also a profound insight into the character and determination of Charles Upham. Sandford masterfully combines detailed historical research with compelling narrative, making this biography an inspiring read for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by tales of human perseverance and valor.
This book is more than a historical account; it is a tribute to a remarkable man whose extraordinary deeds have carved his name firmly into the annals of military history. Kenneth Sandford's meticulous portrayal ensures that the legacy of Charles Upham's heroism will endure for future generations.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780143018643
Publisher: Penguin Group (NZ)
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 June 2003
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: Penguin Books (NZ)
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 132.0mm
Height: 199.0mm
Weight: 292g
Pages: 304
Collections
2025 Best Sellers
Aotearoa New Zealand History
Best Sellers at Book Hero
Biography & Memoir
History & Archaeology
History & Military
In Stock Books
Kenneth Sandford
Military History
New Zealand and Australia Published
New Zealand Biographies
New Zealand History
New Zealand Non-Fiction
New Zealand Published
Non-Fiction
Penguin Books
Political Biographies
About the Author
A part-time author, Kenneth Sandford was Crown Prosecutor in Hamilton for 22 years before moving to Wellington to become the first Chairman of the Accident Compensation Corporation in 1973, which established New Zealand's unique form of no-fault accident insurance. In 1981 he returned to the Law and was awarded the Companion of the Order fo St Michael and St George for public service. Kenneth died in 2005 aged 91.
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