Spencer John Bent was born in Suffolk in 1891 .Orphaned at 10 when his soldier father was killed he joined the army as a drummer when he was 14.Known Joe after a well known boxer of the time Chow Bent he was one of the first troops to arrive in France.After several incidents of bravery where he took ammunition to front line positions whilst under fire in November 1914 he was awarded a VC the citation read;: “For conspicuous gallantry near Le Gheer on the night of the 1st - 2nd November 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, 22nd and 24th October, by bringing up ammunition under a heavy shell and rifle fire, and again, on the 3rd November, when he brought into cover some wounded men who were lying exposed in the open.” The painting shows Joe Bent rescuing a man by hooking his feet under his arms and crawling backwards over No-mans land.Joe Bent went on to win other awards In the late summer of 1915 he was awarded the Cross of St George by Russia for gallantry and distinguished service. In 1918 he was awarded the Military Medal the citation for which read; The citation read: “In the fighting around the village of Sepmeries, East of Cambrai, Colour Sergeant Major Spencer Bent VC, for leading two patrols which were sent out to gain touch with the enemy on the afternoon of 29th October 1918.” Joe stayed in the army until 1926 leaving as a RSM, .Upon leaving the army Joe became caretaker at Paragon School Walworth where he stayed until 1956.After leaving Paragon School he went to work for Courages at Tower Bridge a company he stayed working for until his death aged 86 in 1977.Joe Bent had a son named Joe who was well known in the Walworth area for his Communist views. Spencer John Bent VC MM is yet another person connected with Southwark who has no memorial or recognition
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:25:16 +0000
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