Poland seeks to honour Robert Upton’s memory
Poland is looking for the famiy of a Durban man who the president wishes to thank for his aid during WW2.
POLAND is looking for surviving family of a Durban school old boy, Robert Henry Upton, in order to honour his memory.
According to DHS and Glenwood Prep School historian, Jeremy Oddy, so many of Durban's young men gave their lives for a cause they believed in, with 86 from DHS dying in the Great War, 165 in World War 2, 4 in the Korean Campaign and 12 in the so called Bush War.
“They are soon forgotten by many. It is heart warming that a European Country, Poland, is still grateful, 71 years on, to those who came to its aid when it was overrun by the Germans in WW2,” said Oddy.
In 1992, the Polish government struck a medal, The Insurrection Cross, and a certificate to award the airmen who flew into Warsaw, Poland, during the uprising in 1944. The certificate that accompanies the medal was signed by the president of Poland, Lech Walensa, and so has a special significance.
“Two Durban men flew out on the first mission to Warsaw, DHS old boys Bryan Jones and Robert Henry Upton. It is believed Robert died some time ago, but Poland wishes to make contact with any of his surviving family,” said Oddy.
Robert was born on 4 June 1923 and lived at St Martin's Home for Boys for a time. He attended McDonald Road Infants and moved up to Bulwer Park School in 1934 for three years before moving on to Durban High School.
If anyone has any information on his family, so that the Polish government can thank them, contact Jeremy Oddy on 082 568 9820 or email jjoddy@gmail.com
