Colonel Charles Edward BENT, CMG, DSO*, VD (MID*****)

LCol Bent transferred from the 17th Bn (Nova Scotia) in 1915 and became Commanding Officer of the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders) in May 1916 following the death of LCol W. R. Marshall, DSO. He served as CO through the battles of The Somme, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele and Amiens, where he was wounded severely. He returned as CO in 1918 to the end of the war and brought the 48th Highlanders home to Toronto in 1919. He served also in WWII from 1940 – 1943 as CO of the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, and 3rd (Reserve) Bn., Canadian Engineers.

NOK: Daisy Leda Bent Pugwash, NS

Awards

Date

Award

Citation

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

First DSO

Gazetted 1-Jan-17

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Bar to Distinguished Service Order:
For gallantry and skill in directing his battalion in an attack. He, under difficulties of mist, led his battalion in close reserve to the three attacking battalions of this brigade … consequently, under the conditions of the day he was engaged in personal leadership and fighting helping to clear up the places where the enemy were still holding out. Next day during another attack, he was severely wounded.

13-Jun-16

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

His Majesty the King has graciously been pleased to award Mention in Dispatches for Gallant and Distinguished Services in the Field to Lt Col CE Bent

LCol Bent was Mentioned in Despatches 6 times between 13-Jun-1916 and 31 Dec-1918.