Philip Bent
Philip Eric Bent,VC, DSO,(January 3, 1891 - October 1, 1917), was a Canadian 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.
Details
He was 26 years old, and a T/Lieutenant Colonel in the 9th Bn., The Leicestershire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
Action
On 1 October 1917 east of Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, when the situation was critical owing to the confusion caused by a heavy enemy attack and the intense artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel Bent collected a platoon that was in reserve and together with men from other companies and various regimental details, he organised and led them forward to the counter-attack, which was successful and the enemy were checked. The coolness and magnificent example of the colonel resulted in the securing of a portion of the line essential to subsequent operation, but he was killed whilst leading a charge.
Further information
Lt. Col P E Bent VC DSO who died aged 26 was in truth a Merchant Seaman. He came from Halifax, Nova Scotia and joined HMS Conway the training ship in 1907. He served 2 years as a Cadet and thence went to sea in sail. He was taking his Merchant Navy Officer's tickets when the war broke out in 1914.
He and a mate joined a Scottish regiment for a bit of fun as the war was anticipated to be over by Christmas.
He was some months later commissioned in the Leicestershire Regiment (he had been at Ashby Grammar School in Leicestershire prior to joining the Conway). He was successful and as you know perished when gaining his Cross.
If he had told them he was a seaman he would have been commissioned in the RN and would probably have lived. He certainly would have been most unlikely to have won the Cross.
He was apparently a decent chap with a good sense of humour.
Attended Ashby Boys' Grammar School, Ashby de la Zouch.
No known grave.
Commemorated on the memorial wall at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment (Leicester, England).
References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Passchendaele 1917 (Stephen Snelling, 1998)
- D G Fletcher Rogers, Mike Muncaster
External links
- Service details, citation, burial information - from Veteran Affairs Canada
- Legion Magazine Article on Philip Bent
- Find-A-Grave profile for Philip Bent
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.