Bentley was educated at Stranracer High School, and at Glasgow University, where he graduated M.B., and Ch.B. in 1909. For a time he practiced at Consett, Co. Durham, as an Assistant and afterwards at Stevenston, co. Ayrshire. He took a temporary commission at the rank of lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. on 15th May 1915, being attached to the 1st Bn. Cambridgeshire Regiment, then entered the war in Egypt on 19th July 1915. He was promoted to Captain after one years service. He was killed near Ypres and was buried at Steenbeck, Langemarck, north of Ypres. His Commanding Officer wrote to his family: “Your son was killed trying to save the lives of others, as he had done so many times before. I, fortunately, had the satisfaction of telling him some few days before that I had recommended him for some sort of award.” His Chaplin wrote: “His staff say they will never have another like him. He was so generous-minded and willing to help others. I shall never forget the way he carried on down south when the other medical officer was killed. He was simply splendid.” Bentley was recommended for decoration by Brigadier-General E Riddell, D.S.O. He was the fifth son of Charles and Susan (daughter of William Riddell of Aldous, co. Ayr) Hunter of The School House, Dunragit