Charlie Upham

[shenderson]

Kia ora WW2 Army experts, 

Dave Homewood has generously allowed me to post here to your community. I am researching Charles Upham and the 20th Battalion in Crete and North Africa for a feature film being made about Charlie.  It's so important to me to love and honour these men and how war felt for them, as well as introduce them to younger audiences. I absolutely believe in heroes and want this story to be as authentic as possible. I think the honesty is in the detail and we're trying to capture both the glory and ugliness of war. I'm very across Mark of the Lion and the new Searching for Charlie books. I'm wondering if you could share with me your favourite Charles Upham stories or stories from any of the brave men who were there? Particularly any smaller moments that show the human side of war.

Thank you so much, 

Sophie

[McFly]

A couple of previous threads on Charles Upham 'Here' & 'Here' plus a link to a newspaper article on a earlier proposed film 'Here'

Air Force connection...

"Group of New Zealand Victoria Cross holders standing on the steps to RNZAF Transport Wing Hastings NZ5802 at RNZAF Station Whenuapai Circa 1956.
L-R: Back; Charles Upham, Leslie Andrew, Jack Hinton. Middle; Harry Laurent, Cyril Bassett (below), Clive Hulme, Samuel Frickleton. Front; James Crichton, Keith Elliott, John Grant." (WhG9933-56.jpg)

(Air Force Museum Collection)

[shenderson]

Thanks so much, I've not seen that photo! Very cool. Yes, that's the film I'm working on. And thanks for the links, I'd found my way to those already but if anyone knows of any more on here, please let me know. Thanks McFly!

[planecrazy]

I didn't know how true it is but my late father told me this story of a traveling salesman
coming up his drive in Volkswagan Beetle and Mr Upham made it very clear that he was
not welcome because the car he was driving was a made in Germany.

[McFly]

Feb 5, 2021 20:10:07 GMT 12 shenderson said:

Thanks so much, I've not seen that photo! Very cool. Yes, that's the film I'm working on. And thanks for the links, I'd found my way to those already but if anyone knows of any more on here, please let me know. Thanks McFly!

Here's another...

"Function to commemorate the opening of the Army Museum (1978). Waiouru Military Camp. Charles Upham VC & Bar (second from left) with two women (wives?) and Sir Charles Moihi Te Arawaka Bennett DSO (right)." (WaG649-78)

(Air Force Museum Collection)

[shenderson]

Feb 6, 2021 14:54:27 GMT 12 planecrazy said:

I didn't know how true it is but my late father told me this story of a traveling salesman
coming up his drive in Volkswagan Beetle and Mr Upham made it very clear that he was
not welcome because the car he was driving was a made in Germany.

Yes I've heard lots of stories like that, I'm sure it's true! Thanks for sharing.

[nuuumannn]

Memorial to Charles Upham at Amberley, north of Christchurch.

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