Bent, William Thomas (Pilot Officer)

American in the RCAF; born 1916 in Glen White, West Virginia; home there or Sikeston, Mississippi (miner); enlisted Windsor, Ontario, 30 November 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.12 EFTS, and No.1 SFTS. To No.142 Squadron, 13 May 1942. Killed in action 10 November 1942 (raid on Hamburg). 142 Squadron (Determination). P/Os Bent, A.A. Smith (RAF), Sergeants J. Bradley (RAF), A. Sinclair (RAF), and FS I. Kennedy (RNZAF) were all killed when their Wellington (BJ 711) aircraft went missing during an op. over enemy territory. Addendum: - his age at time of death was 26 and was a Flight Sergeant when he earned his DFM, please add the following. - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.142 Squadron - Award effective 23 September 1942 as per London Gazette dated 6 October 1942 and AFRO 1653/42 dated 16 October 1942. The citation reads - "One night in September 1942, Flight Sergeant Bent, as captain of an aircraft, was detailed to attack a target in the Ruhr. Just before reaching the target engine trouble developed and Flight Sergeant Bent was unable to fly the aircraft above 8,000 feet. Nevertheless, displaying great courage and fortitude, he continued his mission and, after bombing his target, a successful photograph of the area was taken. On the return journey the engine trouble persisted and Flight Sergeant Bent was considerably harassed by searchlights and anti-aircraft fire. By skillful airmanship, however, he succeeded in returning to his base safely. Flight Sergeant Bent has at all times shown determination in pressing home his attacks." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario.