The family of our most famous war hero is embroiled in a battle
with the government.
Sir Charles Upham's daughters want to sell their father's Victoria
Cross and bar for $3 million to a British colleector, but the
government says the medals should never be allowed to leave the
country.
Upham is New Zealand's most celebrated war hero - the only combat solider ever to be awarded two Victoria Cross's for exceptional bravery.
"I am not aware of the reasons why they want to sell them, they do want to sell them but not the reasons why, I think it really sad they do want to sell them," says Annette King, acting Defence Minister.
Upham won his first VC in 1941 in Crete, destroying numerous enemy posts, rescuing a wounded man and leading out an isolated platoon - all after being wounded in the shoulder and with a bullet in his foot.
The second award came a year later in the North African desert. He was later captured and sent to Colditz Prison.
"We would be disappointed if they left the country, we would be disappointed if they were not available for the country to view," says John Campbell from the Returned Services Association.
The Upham family has asked the government to help buy their fathers medals but have been refused. Under the Antiquities Act if sold overseas the family would need permission for them to leave the country.
"I don't think it reflects Charles Upham himself," King says.
"He was a selfless man who wanted the recognition of what he did with his bravery to reflect on all the men he worked and served with as well."
Upham's daughter Virginia had no comment on the medal row but an Auckland broker spoken to by One News says he made an offer last week of $1.1 million on behalf of a overseas collector.
He says that deal is subject to permission being granted for the medals to be exported. The offer is still being considered by the family.
