Memorial in St Swithin’s Church, Sandford, Devon commemorating William Bent RN d. 1852, surgeon

Location
St Swithin's Church, Sandford, Devon, England
Transcript
'SACRED / TO THE MEMORY OF / WILLIAM HENRY BENT / SURGEON OF HMS FANTOME, SECOND SON OF LT COL BENT RA / WHO AT THE AGE OF 34 YEARS WAS DROWNED BY THE SWAMPING OF / A BOAT ON THE BAR OF PORIRUA NEW ZEALAND NOVEMBER 11TH 1852, / IN A HUMANE AND GALLANT ATTEMPT TO RENDER MEDICAL ASSISTANCE / TO A BED RIDDEN SETTLER OF THAT PLACE. / THIS TABLET RECORDS THE UNAVAILING SORROW / OF THE SURVIVORS OF A LARGE AND UNITED FAMILY / WHICH HAD GROWN UP TOGETHER IN AFFECTION, / AND WHICH HE, THE INEXPRESSIBLY DEAR SON AND BROTHER / WAS THE FIRST TO QUIT FOR ANOTHER, AND, IT IS HUMBLY HOPED / THROUGH GOD`S MERCY, AND FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, / A BETTER WORLD.'
Details
Position: Interior
Materials: Marble
Vessel: 'Fantome'
People
Age: 34
Date of Death: 11/11/1852
Cause of Death: Maritime accident
Rank / Occupation: Surgeon RN
Organisation: Royal Navy
Extra
Photographer: Professor Norman Hammond 2019