The Family of Ethel Emily Teresa Fromings late Pearce formerly Wyborn

Ethel Emily Teresa (known as Tess) was born 3 April 1883, a daughter of Thomas Harrison Wyborn and Elizabeth formerly Branton.

In the 1891 census of 58 Palace Road, Bromley, she (as Teresa) was at home with her parents, aged 8, and born at Bromley.

In the 1901 census of 43, East Street, Bromley, Ethel Emily Theresa was at home with her mother, aged 17, a dressmaker, and born in Bromley.

She married first Walter Harry Pearce (in the September quarter of 1911 in the Bromley district). He was initially a gunner, then an acting corporal (regimental number 14876) and finally a second lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. Walter died 24 April 1918, aged 34 and is buried at Le Cateau Military Cemetery, France (Plot III, F6). Le Cateau is a small town 27 km east-south-east of Cambrai. He was the second son (born at Hammersmith in 1884) of Albert and Eliza Pearce, of Cumberland Road, Bromley (and late of Mason's Hill), Kent, and husband of Ethel E.T. Fromings (formerly Pearce), of 3, Mashona Terrace, Keston, Kent. He joined the 3rd Essex Volunteers at 17 and served in that regiment for 8 years. Later he transferred to the 1st London R.F.A. in which he served for 4 years, after which he became a member of the National Reserve. He offered his services immediately war broke out and he was called up on 12 September 1914 and sent overseas on 21 June 1915. He fought on the front in France and Belgium until he was recommended for a commission in January 1917, to which he was gazetted 16 August 1917. He was posted to the No 6 Reserve Brigade, R.F.A., Luton, and was again sent to France 4 October 1917, where he served in and near Gouzeaucourt until he came on leave 3 March 1918. He returned on 17 March 1918 when his battery was caught up in the retreat. He was reported missing 28 March 1918. A letter was received from him 10 May 1918 stating that he was a prisoner of war in German hands and wounded by a large piece of shrapnel through the right thigh, but cheerfully speaking of his return after the war. A second letter was received 28 May 1918 but written as by one very ill and weak. Nothing more was heard from him until news came to hand on 2 November 1918 from a list of the dead sent by the German Government. He was employed from 1902 until he joined up by Messrs A Brown and Sons, woollen merchants, of St Martin's Lane, London. In Bromley he was involved in charity work as a member of the old Bal Masque Minstrels.

She married secondly Edward ('Pom') Fromings. The marriage was in the September quarter 1921, in the Bromley district.

She had no children by either husband.

Home Page

Posted 18 January 2007