Oscar Bentley

 

Age 31        Married with 4 children

Private 7022
5th (Royal Irish) Lancers

Killed in action on
Monday 24th April 1916

 

Oscar was born in Welshpool, Montgomeryshire where his father, Edwin Bentley, was a Corporal-Major in the Royal Horse Guards Blue.  After his father had died, Oscar along with his sister, two brothers and mother moved to Blackpool when she remarried to a Mr Morris. 

Upon leaving school Oscar enlisted into the 5th Lancers, serving for approximately six years.  He met and married a Miss B Price of the Crown Hotel, Lytham.  Together in search of work, the couple moved to Sabden staying with Oscar's sister and brother-in-law, Mr & Mrs Ernest Britcliffe, at their Whalley Road home.  Oscar found work in Messrs  Steiner and Co Printworks.  When Mrs Bentley became pregnant in 1911 the couple moved back to Blackpool, residing in Brunswick Street. 

At the outbreak of the war, Oscar, who was still a reservist, left his job as head cellarman at the Clifton Arms Hotel, Blackpool and proceeded to Woolwich to re-enlist.  But after being examined, Oscar was discharged as being medically unfit.  He returned to Blackpool, and at his own expense underwent a seven week course of treatment.  After securing a Certificate of Fitness he wrote to the War Office asking for his discharge to be rescinded, this was granted and he rejoined his regiment in Dublin. 

After re-training Oscar went out to France where he was soon wounded, but re-joined the line after a few days recovery.  Having moved to Belgium, Oscar was severely gassed during the Second Battle of Ypres.  He was taken to Woolwich Hospital and then on to Waterford Hospital, Ireland to recuperate. 

When he was declared fit, he returned to Marlborough Barracks, Dublin.  After only four weeks back on duty during the Easter uprising in Dublin,  Oscar was shot through the neck by an Irish rebel, dying instantly.

Oscar Bentley was buried at the Eastern Health Board Offices Grounds of Kilmainham, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

In Sabden he has not been remembered on either the School or Church plaques.