William George BENTLEY

BENTLEY William George. (M.C.) Captain late Staffordshire Regiment. He was born 21st May 1895 and died 23rd August 1986 aged 91. "A family man, honest, kind and valiant. He was the husband of Gladys Emily ( nee Agar). He lived at 22, Mansfield Avenue, Blackley, Manchester. He is at rest with his wife, Minnie in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire. He was born at Basford, Staffordshire and was the son of Alfred and Charlotte Ann. In 1901 he was living at 134 Oxford Road, Wolstanton, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. He was Lance Corporal 6065 19th Royal Fusiliers, Gained his commission on the 6th July 1916 and was 2nd Lieutenant attached to the North Staffordshire Regiment when he was awarded to Military Cross. He was blown up in no mans land on the Western Front in Belgium somewhere near Messines Ridge. He, Captain Nash and his Orderly Pte Hall were in an advance party when they were hit by shell fire. He was temporarily buried by the explosion and was able to get himself out. He tried to save the other two but they were both dead.

Extract from the London Gazette dated 17th September 1917.
T./2nd Lt. William George Bentley, attached. N. Staff. R. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a working party in a communication trench. Although partially buried and stunned by a shell which had also buried and mortally wounded his Company Commander, he set to work as soon as he recovered consciousness to extricate the other officer. Although very badly shaken, he returned to his working: party later on, and insisted on staying with them during the remainder of the night until there work was completed. He showed a splendid example of devotion to duty.