www.ns.legion.ca 73 The Victoria Cross His citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery, when during a heavy hostile attack, (the men on 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. Lt. Col. Bent personally collected a platoon that was in reserve, and together with men from other companies and various regimental details, he organized 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 was checked. The coolness and magnificent example shown to all ranks by Lt. Col. 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.” Sadly, Lt. Col. Bent has no known grave and is commemorated on the memorial wall at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. Lieutenant-Colonel Phillip Eric Bent, V.C. The citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery, during a bombing attack he was acting as bayonet man, and, knowing that bombs were running short, he ran along parados (an earth dike behind the enemy trench) under heavy fire until he was in close contact with the enemy, when he opened fire on them at point-blank range, and inflicted heavy loss. The enemy, thinking they were surrounded, surrendered. Sixty-two prisoners were taken and 250 yards of enemy trench captured.” The citation notes that, before carrying out this very plucky act one of Private Kerr’s fingers had been blown off by a bomb. “Later, with two other men, he escorted back the prisoners under fire, and then returned to report himself for duty before having his wound dressed.” Happily, John Chapman Kerr survived the war and lived to be 76. He passed away in 1963. Private John Chapman Kerr, V.C. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. “ “
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