Philip Bent

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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.

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[edit] Details

He was 26 years old, and a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the ninth Bn., The Leicestershire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Further information

Bent was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was educated at the Royal High School, Edinburgh and Ashby Grammar School, Ashby de la Zouch. He joined the training ship HMS Conway in 1907. He served two years as a Cadet and then went to sea. He was taking his Merchant Navy officer's tickets when the war broke out in 1914.

He and a friend 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 has no known grave and is commemorated on the memorial wall at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment (Leicester, England).

[edit] References

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