Book On Capt. C. H. Upham This Year

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29778, 22 March 1962, Page 12

Book On Capt. C. H. Upham This Year

A book telling the story ot Captain C. H. Upham, the only man living who has won the Victoria Cross twice, will be published towards the end of the year. Entitled ’‘Mark of the Lion," it has been written by a New Zealander. K. L. Sandford, who is already the author of two successful thrillers. "Dead Reckoning" and "Dead Secret.” Mr Sandford is a solicitor and Is Crown Prosecutor in Hamilton.

Mr Sandford got the idea of writing the story of Captain Upham from reading Douglas Bader’s book on his experience as a fighter pilot in the Roval Air Force. He called on Captain Upham at his fa-m at Conway Flat North Canterbury, but found him reluctant to have his storv written Mr Sandford then consulted the late Major-General Sir Howard Kitwenberger. who wrote to Captain Upham enmownding Mr Sandford to him as a man and as a writer, nd pointing out that the proposed book would reallv be a tribute to the New Zealand soldier, generally Captain Unbam ’hen agreed! to the book being written. ,

"Captain Upham is a most modest man, who regards his decorations as being made to him as a representative of the men with whom he fought,” snid Mr Sandford, in a telephone interview with "The Press” yesterday “He gave his reluctant consent to this book being written only because he thought it might be a way of having the exploits of his men recorded.” A Difficulty

Mr Sandford found Captain Upham’s modesty a difficulty where his personal exploits were concerned. He would not talk about himself. Bu' in the course of discussion Captain Upham would mention that certain men were with him. and praise their efforts. Mr Sandford noted their names, and spent several months interviewing them. In this way, he obtained the complete picture of Captain Upham that he sought The manuwipj -eadv MSandford again saw Captain Upham, and spent a week with him as his guest They went over the manuscript together. Captain Upham giving his approval. Mr Sandford during the war was a captain in the 34th 1

Battalion Ist Pacific Division of the N Z.E F His first book “Dead Reckoning.” was published in 1954. and was run as a serial in newspapers Although the setting of the book was in the Waikato and Coromandel districts, there was an international flavour to it which ensured big sales abroad. His book on Captain Upham is expected ’o sell well, bu‘ neither man will benefi’ direct!” from rovalties and fees The proceeds will go [into a private trust.