He was 23 years old, and a drummer in the 1st Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

He had previously distinguished himself on two occasions, on 22 and 24 October by bringing up ammunition under heavy shell and rifle fire.

Again, on 3 November, he brought into cover some wounded men who were lying, exposed to enemy fire, in the open.

[4] Bent's VC, along with his Military Medal and Russian Cross of St. George was sold at auction in June 2000 for £80,000.

[5] His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.