Spencer John Bent VC

Name: Spencer John Bent

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: December 9, 1914

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Stowmarket, Suffolk/March 18, 1891

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Drummer (later Regimental Sergeant Major)

Date of bravery: November 1/2, 1914

London Gazette citation:

No. 8581, Drummer Spencer John Bent, 1^st Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment.

For conspicuous gallantry near Le Gheer, on the night of 1-2 Nov. 1914, when, after his officer, platoon sergeant and section commander had been struck down, he took command, and with great presence of mind and coolness succeeded in holding the position. Drummer Bent had previously distinguished himself on two occasions, 22 and 24 Oct., by bringing up ammunition, under a heavy shell and rifle fire, and again on the 3rd Nov., when he brought into cover some wounded men who were lying exposed in the open.

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Other decorations: MM

Place/date of death: Hackney, London/May 3, 1977

Grave/memorials: West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium, London

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Dix Noonan Webb, London, 2000

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum