Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Distinguished Conduct Medal: Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20. 19/2/1920
For most conspicuous gallantry and dash at Villeret, on 18 September 1918. When he saw two platoons in front held up by machine gun fire, he at once led his platoon under heavy fire to a flank position and got his gun into action. He then charged the trench with his platoon, killing one and capturing twenty. Later, he led a charge against an enemy field gun and captured it; he also captured several prisoners. Throughout he behaved splendidly.'
Military Medal: Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174. 11/10/1917.
'At LAGNICOURT, FRANCE, on 15th April 1917, Sgt. BENTLEY showed great skill and coolness in handling his platoon and even though wounded continued to direct the fire of his men until the enemy were checked and driven back. During his company's tour on outpost duty this N.C.O. showed exceptional ability and courage when out on reconnoitring patrols. His work at all times has been performed with marked ability, and his devotion to duty and tireless energy has been most marked.
Sergeant John Thomas (Jack) Bentley D.C.M., M.M. was born 1/9/1886 in Casino, New South Wales, Australia. Pre-Great War he was working as a linesman and had served 2 years with the Militia. He enlisted on 1/9/1914 being posted to ‘F’ Company 9th Battalion A.I.F.
He deployed to Egypt with the battalion on 24/9/1914 arriving in early December. After a period of training, they departed from Alexandria on the 2/3/1915 and landed on Gallipoli (via staging on Mudros) on the 25th April 1915. The 9th Battalion was part of the 3rd Brigade and was first ashore. Though suffering a slight bullet wound to his thigh on the landing he remained on duty until evacuated sick on 28/10/1915 with fever. By now a Corporal he did not rejoin the battalion until 6/3/1916.
He deployed to France with the battalion landing on 3/4/1916. He was promoted Sergeant in March 1917 and was wounded in action receiving a gunshot wound to his head on 15/4/1917. He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions on that day. The Germans has launched an attack in strength at about 0400hrs. They advanced as far as Lagnicourt and were then driven back. The Germans were in their own lines by 1100. Our ‘D’ Company played an important part in repulsing the enemy meeting him with rifle and M.G fire when advancing from Lagnicourt. Considerable numbers of wounded and prisoners left by the enemy. Our casualties 7 killed and 28 wounded.
Evacuated to hospital in England he rejoined the battalion again on 7/7/1917. He was awarded the DCM for his actions during the attack on Villeret on 18/9/1918. The battalion captured 8 howitzers up to 8-inch, 3 x 77s, 40 machine guns, 160 prisoners and a further 40 wounded prisoners. The battalions’ losses were 4 officers and 31 men.
As he was one of the ‘originals’ he was returned to Australia leaving France on 20/9/1918, landing on 26/12/1918 for discharge on 24/2/1919. Post war he continued to battle being granted a Soldier Settlement block of 269 acres near Casino. Unfortunately, the block was ‘all standing dense shrub’ and it was all back breaking work to clear the land. His life was a constant battle with finances and it would appear that he eventually lost his block to the banks.
During WW2 he enlisted into the Army serving in a training battalion on 5/12/1940. Part of his description being ‘Scar on head’ with his occupation being recorded as linesman. He was subsequently employed in NSW in Lines of Communication. He was discharged in February 1944 medically unfit. He died on 13/8/1959 in Casino.