Victoria Cross

AustralianAce · 16 January 2002, 05:32 PM

I was just wondering if during WWI or any war there was a single person who was awarded two or more VC's?

Michael · 16 January 2002, 06:00 PM

There are three double Victoria Cross winners (V.C. and Bar)

1. Surgeon Captain A. Martin-Leake, South African Constabulary and R.A.M.C. Vlakfontein 8th February 1902 and Zonnebeke, Belgium Oct-Nov. 1914.

2. Captain N.G. Chavasse R.A.M.C. Guillemont France, 9 August 1916 and Wieltje Belgium, 31st July - 2ns August 1917 (posthumous)

3. 2nd Lieutenant C.H. Upham, 20th Bn. N.Z. Military Forces. Maleme Crete 22nd-30th May 1941 and Ruweisat Ridge, Western Desert 14th-15th July 1942.

AustralianAce · 16 January 2002, 10:15 PM

Thanks for that Michael. I won $50 out of it too

Hugh_A._Halliday · 17 January 2002, 12:19 AM

The tale is told that Upham was recommended for a third VC. George VI refused to authorize it, saying that he would not award a third VC for a man still living. A DSO was substituted. I fear I cannot cite a document or book as a source and would appreciate hearing from any person who can refer me to such document or publication.

terry · 17 January 2002, 02:42 AM

Hugh,
I'm not sure, but I don't think Upham ever received the DSO. I have his bio, "Mark of the Lion", and there doesn;'t seem to be mention of the incident to which you refer.

Hugh_A._Halliday · 17 January 2002, 12:23 PM

Mea culpa. Having repeated a story told to me (and been pulled up by Terry) I admit that, upon looking at the websites dealing with Upham, there was no DSO and hence no likelihood of a recommendation for another VC. More sack-cloth and ashes, please.

Kory_Clark · 18 January 2002, 05:20 AM

He was indeed recommended for a 3rd VC. I am not sure if it got bumped down to a DSO or anything else.

I'll see if i can dig up where I Read it.

Kory_Clark · 18 January 2002, 05:41 AM

MMMM yum this crow tastes mighty good...

Could it have been Surgeon Captain Arthur Martin-Leake that was recommened for a 3rd...i'm fairly certain someone was...

LizMilne · 18 January 2002, 05:45 AM

As Upham was taken prisoner in the action which resulted in the award of a Bar to his VC, I can't see where the opportunity to be recommended for a second Bar would arise, unless for 'escape' activities.

For a story regarding King George VI & Upham, relating to the presentation of the awards, see 'The Evolution of the Victoria Cross' by M.J. Crook, pp 239-240. It is a bit of a comedy of errors, related at some length.

Regards,
Liz Milne

LizMilne · 18 January 2002, 06:02 AM

Kory, I was typing as you were posting!

Further perusal of Crook indicates that consideration was given to downgrading Upham's Bar recommendation to a DSO, but that eventually the Bar was awarded.

I'll dig a bit more regarding Martin-Leake; have found nothing yet to indicate a second Bar Recommendation.

Regards,
Liz Milne