revision preference src: Although Phillips had acted without authority, after his death a British punitive force deposed the Benin monarchy, pillaged Benin City and took many riches including the Benin Bronzes back to Britain. Aftermath The British Admiralty responded swiftly to the Benin Massacre by authorizing the Benin Punitive Expedition of February 1897. <SEP> tgt: Although Phillips had acted without authority, after his death a British punitive force deposed the Benin monarchy, pillaged Benin City and took many riches including the Benin Bronzes back to Britain. Aftermath The British Admiralty responded swiftly to the Benin Massacre by authorizing the punitive expedition which departed in February 1897.