Eugene Paul Bennett

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

BENNETT, Eugene Paul. (Reg. No. 82)

Lieutenant 2nd Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment.

London Gazetted on 30th December 1916.

VC Medal's Custodian is the Worcestershire Regimental Museum.

Born on 4th June 1892 at Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Died on 6th April 1970 in Italy.

Memorial not known Digest of Citation reads: On 5th November 1916 near Le Transloy, France, Lieutenant Bennett was in command of the second wave of the attack, and finding that the first wave had suffered heavy casualties, its commander killed and the line wavering, he advanced at the head of the second wave and reached their objective with only 60 men. Isolated with his small party he took steps to consolidate his position under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from both flanks, and although wounded he remained in command. But for his example of courage the attack would have been checked at the outset.

Additional information: Captain Bennett also held the Military Cross.

BENT, Philip Eric. (Reg. No.. 83) Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 9th Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment.

London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.

VC Medal's Custodian is the Leicestershire Regiment's Museum.

Born on 3rd January 1891 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Died on the 1st October 1917 at Polygon Wood, Belgium. (killed in action)

Memorials at Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium and in St Albans Church, Hindhead, Surrey.

Digest of Citation reads: On 1st October 1917 east of Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, when the situation was critical owing to the confusion caused by a heavy enemy attack and the intense artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel Bent collected a platoon that was in reserve and together with men from other companies and various regimental details, he organised and led them forward to the counter-attack, which was successful and the enemy were checked. The coolness and magnificent example of the Colonel resulted in the securing of a portion of the line essential to a subsequent operation, but he was killed whilst leading a charge.

Additional information, hell-bent also held the Distinguished Service Order. BENT, Spencer John. (Reg. No.. 84). Drummer 1st Battalion. The East Lancashire Regiment.

London Gazetted on 9th December 1914.

Born on 18th March 1891 at Stowmarket, Suffolk.

Died on 3rd May 1977 at Hackney, London.

Memorial not known.

Digest of Citation reads: On the night of 1/2nd November 1914 near Le Gheer, Belgium, when his officer, the platoon sergeant and a number of men had been struck down, Drummer Bent took command of the platoon and with great presence of mind and coolness succeeded in holding the position. He had previously distinguished himself on two occasions, on 22 and 24 October by bring in up ammunition under heavy shell and rifle fire. Again on 3rd November, he brought in to cover some wounded men who were lying, exposed to enemy fire, in the open.

Additional information: Regimental Sergeant-Major Bent also held the Military Medal.

BERESFORD, Lord William Leslie de la Poer. (Reg. No.. 85). Captain 9th Lancers (the Queen's Royal)

London Gazetted on 23rd August 1879.

Born on 20th July 1847 at Mullaghbrack, Markethill, County Armagh, Ireland.

Died on 28th December 1900 at Dorking, Surrey.

Memorials at Clonagem Churchyard, Curraghmore, Ireland and Mullaghbrack Church. Co. Armagh.

Digest of Citation reads: On 1st July 1879 at Ulundi, Zululand, during the retirement of the reconnoitring party Captain Lord William Beresford went to the assistance of an NCO of the 24th Regiment, whose horse had fallen and rolled on him. The Zulus were coming in great numbers, but Lord William, with help from a sergeant * of the Frontier Light Horse, managed to mount the injured man behind him. He was, however, so dizzy that the sergeant, who had been keeping back the advancing Zulus, gave up his carbine and, riding alongside, helped to hold him on. They all finally reached safety. (* see also O'Toole, E. Reg. No.. 953).

Additional information: Lt. Colonel Lord Beresford was a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire (KCIE).

BERGIN, James. (Reg No.. 86). Private 33rd Regiment. (later the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment.

London Gazetted on 28th July 1868. Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum.VC Medal's Custodian is the Born on 29th June 1845 at Killbricken, Queen's County, Ireland.

Died on 1st December 1880 at Poona, India.

Memorial not known Digest of Citation reads: On 13th April 1868 in Abyssinia, during the assault on Magdala, when the head of the column of attack was checked by the obstacles at the gate, a small stream of officers and men of the 33rd Regiment and an officer of the Royal Engineers broke away from the main approach to Magdala, and, reaching the defences, climbed a cliff, forced their way over a wall and through a strong and thorny fence, thus turning the defenders of the gateway. The first two men to enter Magdala were Private Bergin and a Drummer*. (see also Magner, M. Reg. No.. 822).

BERRYMAN, John. (Reg. No.. 87) Troop Sergeant- Major 17th Lancers (later the Duke of Cambridge's Own).

London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.

Born on the 18th to July 1825 at Dudley, Worcestershire.

Died on 27th June 1896 at Woldingham, Surrey.

Memorial at grave in St Agatha's Churchyard, Woldingham, Worcestershire.

Digest of Citation reads: On 25th October 1854 at Balaclava , Crimea, Troop Sergeant-Major Berryman, whose horse had been shot under him, stopped on the field with a wounded officer amidst a storm of shot and shell. Two sergeants * came to his assistance and between them they carried the wounded officer out a range of the guns.

* (see also Farrell, J. reg. No.. 395 and Malone, J. Reg No. 830.).

Additional information: Major Berryman's Victoria Cross was earned during the Charge of the Light Brigade. He also served in the Indian Mutiny and the Zulu Wars.