Charles Upham Poster

Bring the remarkable story of Charles Hazlitt Upham VC and Bar to life with this detailed, black-and-white educational colouring poster.

This A4 portrait resource introduces pupils to one of New Zealand’s most highly decorated soldiers of the Second World War, while providing an engaging colouring activity that can be used alongside History, Remembrance, ANZAC Day or military history lessons.

What’s Included

1 detailed A4 portrait colouring poster
Black-and-white line-art design suitable for colouring
Charles Upham and his military service
His Victoria Cross for actions in Crete in 1941
His Bar to the Victoria Cross for actions in North Africa in 1942
Information about the fighting at Minqâr Qaim and Ruweisat Ridge
Key biographical information
Illustrated historical scenes
A section exploring his extraordinary bravery and lasting legacy
“Lest We Forget” remembrance feature
Historical Learning

The poster provides an accessible introduction to Charles Upham and his wartime service with the 20th Battalion, New Zealand Military Forces (2NZEF).

Pupils can learn about:

The Battle of Crete
Upham’s actions during May 1941
His Victoria Cross
The North African campaign
Minqâr Qaim and Ruweisat Ridge
His actions while severely wounded
His capture during the fighting
The significance of a Bar to the Victoria Cross
His place in New Zealand military history
Upham was one of only three people to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice and is recognised as the only combat soldier to receive the Victoria Cross twice during the Second World War.

Perfect For

Ideal for:

History lessons
Second World War topics
New Zealand History
ANZAC Day activities
Remembrance Day
Veterans and military history topics
Biography projects
Early finishers
Independent learning
History homework
Classroom displays
History colouring activities
The detailed line-art format gives pupils an opportunity to engage creatively with historical content while learning about an important figure from the Second World War.