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Lt.Col. Philip Eric Bent VC DSO.
British Army 9th Btn. Leicestershire Regiment
from:Halifax, Nova Scotia
(d.1st Oct 1917)
Lt. Colonel Philip Eric Bent VC DSO served with the 9th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment during WW1 and was killed in action on the 1st October 1917, Age: 26. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. He was native of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
An extract from The London Gazette, No. 30471, dated 11th Jan., 1918, records the following:- "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'."
