Philip Eric Bent was born in Halifax in 1891, but grew up and was educated in the United Kingdom. Shortly after enlisting in the British Army, he was commissioned as an officer and assigned to the Leicestershire Regiment. He left for the Western Front in July 1915.

Lt Col Bent was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery while leading a successful counter-attack on 1 October 1917 near Polygon Wood (Zonnebeke, Belgium).

Lieutenant-Colonel Bent has no known grave, but is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

For most conspicuous bravery, when during a heavy hostile attack, 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 were 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.”

- London Gazzette, no.30471, 11 January 1918