in 1939 when the Second World War began, Charles Upham was a high country farmer in Canterbury. By the time the war was over he was one of the most famous soldiers in the world. He had won the Victoria Cross, the highest medal for bravery in the British and Commonwealth armies -- twice. A brave man who didn't like to be made a fuss of, Upham led his men in Greece during the Battle of Crete and through the desert war in North Africa, where he was finally captured by the Germans and sent to Colditz Castle. The story of Charles Upham's war is an amazing tale of courage and determination and shows how one man who keeps calm even when he is in deadly danger can make an extraordinary difference. Janice Marriott is a well-known fiction and non-fiction writer, most recently publishing the first two Yates Gardening for Kids titles. She lives in Wellington.
Accolades
Shortlisted for New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards: Non-Fiction Award 2007.
