LORD ASHCROFT’S “HERO OF THE MONTH” Lieutenant Colonel Philip Bent VC, DSO
LORD”AESRHOC “HERO OF”THE MONTHS
LEADERSHIP
AGGRESSION • BOLDNESS INITIATIVE • SACRIFICE SKILL • ENDURANCE
The many Victoria Crosses and George Crosses in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London are displayed under one of seven different qualities of bravery. Whilst Lieutenant Colonel Philip Bent VC, DSO’s award is not part of the collection, Lord Ashcroft feels that it falls within the category of leadership:
“Charismatic, strong, inspirational, the natural leader not only takes command, but also infuses all those around them with confidence and hope. They exude calm and resolve. They are a tower of strength.”
PHILIP ERIC Bent was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on 3 January 1891. He was the youngest of three children born to Frank Bent, a superintendent in the railway mail service, and his English wife, Sophia (née Harvey). While living in Canada, Philip attended Harrow House School. When he was 12, he came to Britain with his mother and attended the Royal High School in Edinburgh and, later, Ashby-de-la Zouch Boys’ Grammar School (now Ashby School). In January 1909, an…
