1944: Mark of the Lion

November 21, 2019

By AHNZ

Captain Charles Upham, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, one of the very greatest warriors this country ever produced. Although, I wouldn’t call him a soldier if I could get away without having to; ‘Warrior’ is far more apt.

Why? Because this Cantabrian had the same core Anarchichal rebelliousness toward authority within him that so many of us do (and, to the max) making regimentation and social hierarchies an anathema. It was a master-stroke of Lt. Colonel Kippenberger to make such a man an officer and direct that Anarchistic energy toward Nazi Germany.

Toward the Germans, Upham unleashed hell. If captured, he would make Steve McQueen-like escapes prompting, eventually, incarceration in the maximum security Colditz Castle¹. Escapes were supposed to end not in capture but in being shot. Yet Upham lived for these moments and was completely at ease, calming everyone else down too.

In this photo (top) the Kiwi Prisoner of War, Upham, had tried to bridge two barbed wire perimeter fences by leaping between them. A staple gave way and he fell into the tangle of pointy metal spider-web between. Caught, he then proceeded to charm and de-escalate the agitated German guards by lighting a cigarette thus humanising himself. When Upham insisted the guardsman defer shooting him for attempted escape so it could be done by a ranked German Officer he had won the initiative and the hearts of the guards and fellow prisoners who gathered ’round.

However, I’ve always been sceptical the actual photograph of this moment was not staged. Allegedly the Germans took the picture as ‘evidence’ and it somehow made it into Allied hands. Moral and propaganda are part of the provisions and munitions of war; Why would Germans cooperate in handing New Zealanders such an iconic photo from which to draw courage and inspiration?

Bit of a Colonel Klink move if this is really legit!

—

1 Uppham, The Lion, was caged in solitary confinement on 14 October 1944; Ref. Wiki

Ref. 1961: Upham Interview- Not Dark Yet

Ref. The Battle for Crete, 20 May – 1 June, 1941 was a defensive action on the part of New Zealanders, including Upham, to hold Crete. No victory, but for Upham a medal from the Government and a promotion. He was one of those fortunate to be evacuated from Crete while many were taken prisoner

Image ref. Mark of the Lion; Sandford (1963)
Image ref. McQueen scene; The Great Escape (1963)

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