Charles Upham
The man who taught the world how to fight with hand grenades.
Only three men have ever won two Victoria Crosses - the world's highest military award for bravery - and only one of them was a front-line soldier (the other two were medics), Charles Upham, a Canterbury farmer.
As tough as the mountains overlooking his farms, Upham brought new meaning to the phrase "courage under fire". He led his men through hell, and more importantly, back. Above all, Upham's thoughts were for his men, which is precisely why he was awarded two VCs - for taking outrageous risks to help his men.
Books have been written about the man and he is assured of a place in immortality through his deeds.
To learn all about Canterbury's favourite son, try these:
The New Zealand Army, an obvious starting point.
The New Zealand Government has its own tribute
As does the Hurunui District Council, where Upham farmed all his life
The New Zealand Dictionary of Biography
Copyright © 2008 Immortality Ltd
