DOCSLIB.ORG

Victoria Cross Heroes

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Victoria Cross Heroes LORD ASHCROFT'S "HERO OF THE MONTH" LORD ASHCROFT'S "HERO OF THE MONTH" Drummer Spencer Bent VC - Initiative Drummer Spencer Bent VC - Initiative LORD ASHCROFT'S "HERO OF THE MONTH" DRUMMER SPENCER Jon Enoch/eyevine Drummer Spencer “Joe” Bent arrived in France on 22 August 1914, the first day of armed skirmishes TOP RIGHT: The medals of Drummer Spencer “Joe” Bent VC, MM. The Russian Cross of St. George can be seen on the far right. The full list of decorations BENT VC are Victoria Cross; Military Medal: 1914 Star, with clasp; British War and Victory Medals; Defence Medal; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Army L.S. between Britain and Germany. He was 23 years old and had not enjoyed an easy start in life, but his & G.C.; Russian Cross of St George, 3rd class (LORD ASHCROFT COLLECTION) BOTH BELOW: A pair of drawings which depict one of the actions for which strength of character and temperament were soon to be on display. Drummer Bent was awarded the Victoria Cross. (HISTORIC MILITARY PRESS) ENT WAS born on 18 March platoon’s recently returned sergeant, injuries to both arms and hands and France and took part in the assault on DRUMMER SPENCER 1891, in Stowmarket, Suffolk. By who told him that no orders to retire had a head wound. He was sent back to Messines Ridge. Bthe age of ten, he was an orphan: been given. England, where he received several After being promoted to company JOHN BENT VC his father was killed during the Boer Bent immediately ran after some of months of medical care. sergeant major, Bent fought at the third War and his mother had also died. Bent his comrades to call them back and Bent only learned he had been awarded Battle of Ypres and then rejoined the 1st was largely brought up by his uncle encountered an officer who helped him the VC when he read about it in a local Battalion in time for the German Spring and aunt, who lived near Ipswich. round up the rest of the platoon. Early paper after his decoration was announced Offensive and the subsequent battles He was just 14 when he joined the next morning, the German infantry in The London Gazette on 9 December later in 1918, being awarded the Military Army in 1905 as a drummer in the 1st advanced towards the trench, clearly 1914. His citation identified four separate Medal on top of his VC. Battalion, the East Lancashire Regiment. believing that it had been abandoned. acts of bravery. Bent also received the Following the end of hostilities, When he boxed at lightweight in Army When they reached to within 400 considerable sum of £50 from an Ipswich Bent returned home in May 1919. He championships, he was christened “Joe”, yards, the British platoon’s machine- resident who had offered it to the first remained in the Army until 1926, leaving a corruption of “Chow” Bent, a well- gun and rifles opened fire, causing local man to receive the VC. with the rank of regimental sergeant known professional boxer of the time. the advancing infantrymen to run for Bent was the first man from his major after 21 years’ service. After the outbreak of the First World cover. However, before long the German regiment to be awarded the VC in the Bent, a married father of three, War, Bent accompanied his regiment to artillery launched a heavy, continuous First World War, receiving his decoration went on to work as a school caretaker, northern France and saw action at the bombardment, and the officer, platoon from George V at Buckingham Palace continuing part-time work until he Battle of Le Cateau. However, it was for sergeant and a number of the men were on 13 January 1915. At around the same was 85 years old. He died in his sleep his gallantry in the first Battle of Ypres killed or injured. Bent therefore took time, Bent was promoted to corporal. in Hackney, London, on 3 May 1977, that Bent was awarded his Victoria command and repelled several more He returned to France in the summer aged 86. Cross. His platoon was holding one of infantry attacks until he was relieved of 1916 and rejoined his old battalion I have huge respect for Bent’s initiative the front-line trenches near Le Gheer, later in the day. on the Somme, remaining there until in a crisis and his repeated courage, Belgium, after a ferocious day’s fighting This was just one of several courageous November when he again returned to and so I was delighted when I was able the previous day. actions by Drummer Bent in the autumn the UK to convalesce from rheumatic to purchase his gallantry and service On the night of 1/2 November, an of 1914. On 22 October, for example, fever. After recovering, he returned to medals at auction in 2000. exhausted Bent was trying to get some he had carried ammunition to a patrol sleep but he awoke to find his comrades that had been cut off by the Germans abandoning their positions. There was and, two days later, he brought food and VICTORIA CROSS no officer in the trench to give the ammunition to a front-line trench under order to withdraw, nor even a Non- heavy fire. HEROES Commissioned Officer (NCO) because On 3 November, he repeatedly risked LORD ASHCROFT KCMG PC is a the platoon’s sergeant was visiting an his life by venturing into no-man’s land Conservative peer, businessman, advance post. Yet, someone had passed to rescue several wounded men. One of philanthropist, author and pollster. INITIATIVE The story of Bent’s life appears in his word down the line that the battalion these was 25 to 30 yards from the British book Victoria Cross Heroes. For more THE MANY Victoria Crosses and George Crosses in the Lord had been ordered to retire. trench and, when Bent attempted to lift information, please visit: Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London are Bent started following the others, but him, the two men came under a hail of www.victoriacrossheroes.com displayed under one of seven different qualities of bravery. then decided he could not bear to leave enemy bullets. So, in order to get him to Lord Ashcroft’s VC and GC collection Drummer Bent’s Victoria Cross is part of the collection, and, is on public display at Imperial War Lord Ashcroft feels, falls within the category of initiative: his treasured French trumpet so he safety, Bent hooked his feet under the Museums, London. For more information “Difficult situations, which place lives under threat, require made his way back for it. When Bent private’s armpits and dragged the injured visit: www.iwm.org.uk/heroes. For quick decisions and clear solutions. Often those who act are reached the trench, he spotted a soldier, man as he edged backwards. details about his VC collection, visit: not in charge, but they take control. Confident, aware of raised his rifle and demanded that the Just days later, Bent himself was www.lordashcroftmedals.com what needs to be done, they are convinced they can pull it man, whom he assumed to be a German, seriously injured, sustaining a gunshot For more information on Lord Ashcroft’s work, visit: off. Someone has to act.” identify himself. It turned out to be the wound to his leg. By then, he also had www.lordashcroft.com. Follow him on Twitter: @LordAshcroft AGGRESSION•BOLDNESS•INITIATIVE•LEADERSHIP•SACRIFICE• SKILL•ENDURANCE www.britainatwar.com www.britainatwar.com.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Opposition to Mitchell Held ^Desperation Move'
    n,m ihdffendmttDaOy f SH 1-0010 VOL. 83, NO. 140 JJ'«J ?*$». RED BANK> N- J- WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1961 7c PER COPY ft»5uT*fEK PAGE ONE Opposition To Mitchell Held ^Desperation Move' Meeting Barge Beached Senators' Is Called Action Is By GOP Assailed WASHINGTON (AP) — TRENTON (AP) — Re- Supporters of Secretary of publican leaders have called Labor James P. Mitchell's IT WILL STILL SUCCEED —That was the prediction by Shrewsbury Township offi- a meeting for next Tuesday bid for the Republican cials after last night's public auction, failed to produce a bidder,for the proposed in hopes of blocking an all- nomination for governor of $1.4 million dollar Crawford St. redevelopment project. Looking over preliminary out war for the Republican Vew Jersey said today project drawings with Mayor Joseph Memzopane, seated center, are, left to right, nomination for governor. opposition to his candidacy by Mr». Anne C. Switek, municipal clerk; Harry Evans, township attorney; Joseph J. Republican State Chairman eight GOP state senators repre- Carl Erdman said yesterday he sents "a desperation move." Seaman, Jr., township auditor, and Committeeman Vernon E. Field and Wilfred s trying to set up an "explora- Rafferxeder. tory" gathering of 21 county The Mitchell camp, which in- chairmen and the 15-member cludes Sen. Clifford P. Case and state Executive Committee. former Sen. H. Alexander Smith, believes it has the support nec- He told newsmen, however, essary, or soon will, to win the that it looks like the GOP field April primary. Private Negotiations for the April 18 primary election HIGH AND DRY — Keansburg residents view a scrap iron barge owned by (he Burnit Although Mitchell himself de- ill remain af th** fnnr an- s Cs.Cs i Msv.- YsrL-, -.vhish ran sg.-curd i;:r!y Mer.diy msrri-g *! *hs f;;t 5? Bs!! nounced candidates or possibly iineu tuiiuiient on tne statement Next Step for Township Garden Apartment Plan be expanded to five.
    [Show full text]
  • NCGS 106-741 Record Notice of Proximity to Farmlands
    N.C.G.S. 106-741 Record Notice of Proximity to Farmlands PARCEL ID OWNER 1 OWNER 2 DEED BK DEED PG 107B00D00660009 103 ADMIRALTY CT TRUST 1454 603 042A00000040000 103 EQUESTRIAN DRIVE TRUST 1450 845 015B00000130000 104 CURRITUCK COMMERCIAL LLC 1409 41 123E00000270000 1085 COLINGTON ROAD LLC 1120 373 0132000019G0000 1120 LLC 1390 816 107B00B00170009 115 EDGEWATER DR TRUST 1416 908 0110000081B0000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1444 193 015A00003800000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1208 885 015A00003810000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1208 885 015A00003820000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1208 885 015A00003840000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1208 885 015A00003850000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1208 885 014J00000690000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1183 336 014J00000120000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1148 242 014J00000130000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1148 244 014J00000760000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1148 246 014J00000140000 123 PROPERTY SERVICES LLC 1148 248 004900000140000 134 BAXTER GROVE LLC 990 76 107B00B00190003 136 HOLLY CRESCENT TRUST 1462 892 013200001280000 143 POINT OF VIEW LLC 1318 525 013200001280000 143 POINT OF VIEW LLC 1318 525 013200001290000 143 POINT OF VIEW LLC 1318 525 013200001290000 143 POINT OF VIEW LLC 1318 525 013200001620000 143 POINT OF VIEW LLC 1318 529 013200001620000 143 POINT OF VIEW LLC 1318 529 0060000057D0000 158 INC 408 887 0060000057E0000 158 INC 397 38 040B00C00120002 1900 CAPITAL FUND R PROPERTIES LLC 1460 630 009400000250000 200 BARNARD ROAD LLC 1179 225 124E00000050000 3 WALKER BOYS LLC 1399 630 0110000093A0000 7578 CARATOKE
    [Show full text]
  • News 62 FOWNC
    Newsletter No. 62 - May 2008 Price £1 (Free to Members) In this issue: Chairmans Report Sir James, by Bob Flanagan Baron Hannen The new Memorial Garden has been completed at (1821-1894) last and will be rededicated in conjunction with the Page 4 annual cemetery Open Day at 13.00 on Saturday 7 June 2008. A plaque commemorating the people William Samuel buried under the Garden will also be unveiled, as Price (1812-82) will a plaque commemorating Sergeant Spencer Bent Page 6 VC (see article in the January 2008 Newsletter). I JamesBusby hope as many members as possible will attend. There and the will be a number of other events during the day Honeybee Page 9 including showings of the new DVD about the cemetery that was shown at the FOWNC meetings in MelioraDown February and March. I hope many of you will be (1798-1871) able to attend. Page 9 Colonel Joseph Crowe VC (1826-76) Page 10 A Clock, some Charts and West Norwood Cemetery Page 13 Recent FOWNC Events Page 14 Forthcoming Events Page 15 FOWNC Officers Page 16 View of the Greek Cemetery from within the new Memorial Garden Council officers are still in negotiation with the developers over the reinstatement of the section of the boundary wall that was taken down last year, as noted in the September 2007 Newsletter. We await progress. Damage to another wall, this time serious damage to two sections of the wall and railings of the Greek Cemetery, is also awaiting reinstatement. The Battle of the Bus Stand Residents have objected to the present situation whereby the 68 bus turns and often parks in Hannen Road.
    [Show full text]
  • Spencer 'Joe' Bent
    Spencer ‘Joe’ Bent Early life Spencer Bent was born on the 18th March 1891 in Stowmarket, Suffolk. By the time Bent was ten he was an orphan and lived with his aunt and uncle in Witnesham. He joined the army in 1905 but being 14 his only opportunity to gain military experience was as a Drummer. Very few regiments had vacancies for Drummers and it is possibly because of this that he Spencer ‘Joe’ Bent came to be in the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. He earned his nickname ‘Joe’ through boxing in Army Championships because it sounded similar to “Chow” Bent, a well-known professional boxer. Military Career Bent’s regiment arrived in France on 22nd August 1914 and saw action at the Battle of Le Cateau. Bent’s battalion was part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Division which moved to Ypres in September 1914. It was his acts of courage at the first Battle of Ypres, Belgium, that earned him the Victoria Cross. Shortly after, Bent sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and was sent back to England for medical care. Whilst there he was promoted to Corporal and helped with the recruitment campaign for six months before being further promoted to Sergeant. In August 1915 he was awarded the Cross of St George by Russia for his distinguished service. He briefly returned to France and rejoined his battalion on the Somme before being sent home with rheumatic fever. In January 1917 he married Alice Powell in Plymouth. Once again Bent returned to the war effort as a volunteer in the 7th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment where he took part in the assault on Messines Ridge, June 1917, and fought at Passchendaele.
    [Show full text]
  • William Knight
    Newsletter No. 61 - January 2008 Price £1 (Free to Members) Chairmans Report In this issue: by Bob Flanagan Sir William Every time I go to the cemetery I see something new. And more information on those buried or otherwise Dunn Bt (1833- commemorated at Norwood continues to come to 1912) Page 4 light and never ceases to amaze. Normally I am following up information from others, but on my William way to inspect progress on the new Memorial Garden I happened to notice the name Sir William Dunn Knight (1843- highlighted in the December sunshine atop a marble 1900) Page 6 sarcophagus. In the papers inherited from Geoffrey Manning and Eric Smith there is mention of Sir William Dunn, banker and merchant, based upon his Regimental entry in Who Was Who, but this gives no clue as to Sergeant why his name is remembered today, and I had failed Major Spencer to make the connection John Bent VC Norwood Cemetery MM (1891- - An Introductory Guide 1977) Page 9 The long-awaited FOWNC Theatre Review introductory guide book Page 13 has now been published. In addition to short histories of the cemetery and of the Review of Greek section, there are Recent Events brief notes of 60 Page 14 Norwood notables contained within its 28 Forthcoming pages. In essence the book is designed as a FOWNC complement to the Events Page 15 general tours that Jill Dudman and her team of guides host regularly, but with some added information and illustrations of (i) the demolished FOWNC original gatehouse and mortuary chapels, and (ii) Officers Page 16 portraits of some of the notables.
    [Show full text]