James Upton

Who was James Upton?

James Upton VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 27 years old, and a corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters, British Army during the First World War at the battle of Aubers Ridge when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 9 May 1915 at Rouges Bancs, France, Corporal Upton rescued the wounded while exposed to rifle and artillery fire, going close to the enemy's parapet. One wounded man was killed by a shell while the corporal was carrying him. When not actually carrying the wounded he was engaged in dressing and bandaging the serious cases in front of our parapet.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Sherwood Foresters Museum, The Castle, Nottingham, England.