|
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 3 January 1891, Phillip Bent left Conway in 1912. He went to sea and had gained his 2nd Mate’s ticket when the first world war broke out. In 1914, he and a friend decided to volunteer. If the authorities had known he was a merchant service officer with a 2nd Mates ticket they would have put him in the Royal Navy, probably as an officer. Instead he joined the army as a private soldier and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, whose nickname was the Tigers.
He were promptly shipped to the killing fields of the Western Front where losses were so great that three years later, at the age of 23, he was a Lieutenant Colonel commanding his regiment! He was awarded the DSO for bravery.
On 1st October 1917 the battalion was ordered to attack Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium. The attack was not successful and the Germans responded with a heavy attack and intense artillery fire. The situation became critical and the Allies position was in danger of being over-run. The London Gazette, No. 30471, dated January 11, 1918, describers events: “A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, he served in the British Army as Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. He was killed in action at Polygon Wood during the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). From his citation: "For most conspicuous bravery, when during a heavy hostile attack, the right of his own command and the battalion on his right were forced back. The situation was critical owing to the confusion caused by the attack and the intense artillery fire. Lt. Col. Bent personally 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, after issuing orders to other officers as to the further defence of the line. The counter-attack was successful and the enemy were checked. The coolness and magnificent example shown to all ranks by Lt.-Col. Bent resulted in the securing of a portion of the line which was of essential importance for subsequent operations. This very gallant officer was killed whilst leading a charge which he inspired with the call of "Come on the Tigers."
His commendation records that “The coolness and magnificent example of the Colonel resulted in the securing of a portion of the line essential to a subsequent operation, but he was killed whilst leading a charge.”
His medal is on display at the Royal Leicestershire Regiment Museum, Leicester.
His exploits are described in Canada's V.C.'s by Lt Col George Machum, McClelland & Stewart, Toronto, 1956.
He has no known grave but there is a memorial at: Tyne Cot CWGC Cemetery, Zonnebeke, West Vlaandern. |
