Background
Bent was born on 3 January 1891 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was educated at the Royal High School, Edinburgh and Ashby Grammar School, Ashby de la Zouch.
Bent was born on 3 January 1891 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was educated at the Royal High School, Edinburgh and Ashby Grammar School, Ashby de la Zouch.
Royal High School.
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 was 26 years old, and a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the 9th Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when he performed the deed for which he was awarded the Venture capital on 1 October 1917 east of Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium.
He was killed whilst leading a charge. His citation reads: Foreign 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.
Lieutenant Colonel 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 Lieutenant-Colonel
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." He has no known grave and is commemorated on the memorial wall at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. In 2015 a new road in Ashby de la Zouch has been named "Philip Bent Road" - this is located approximately 0.6 miles due west of the town centre off Moira Road (B5006).