Category: Military
Rank: Driver
Regiment or Ship: Royal Field Artillery
Service Number(s): 1136; 905751
Date of Birth: 02.07.1900
Place of Birth: Crowborough, Sussex
Date of Death: 1975
Place of Death: Lewes, Sussex
Address: Bruce House, 105 Windsor Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: Harry Pearman (1874-1950) and Charlotte Pearman, nee Smithers, (1874-1958). W0295 PEARMAN Harry (senior)
Siblings:
George Pearman (1902-1929), born in Uckfield.
In 1911 Harry (senior) and family were living at Franfield Road, Uckfield. Harry’s mother, Hannah was living with the family at that time.
Spouse: On 5th June 1929 Harry married Florence Filliesoan (1909-1982). On his death Harry was listed as a Jobbing Gardener.
First World War Experience
We do not know a great deal about Harry (junior) war service but we do know that he had enlisted before July 1916. A large photograph appeared in one of the local newspapers dated 1st July 1916 with the heading:
“This Group of R.F.A. in Mesopotamia includes Several Bexhill Men.”
It goes on to read: “The photograph, which was taken at Bombay during the men’s short stay there, was sent by Mrs. Pearman, 105, Windsor-road, Bexhill, whose husband, Driver H. Pearman, is with the ASC in France. Their son, Driver H. Pearman, RFA, is in the centre of the photograph, and other Bexhill men will be noticed.”
A letter appeared in another local newspaper on 1st July 1916 and reads as follows:-
The Soldiers’ Appeal (Bexhill Chronicle 1st July 1916)
Sir, – Would you allow me, through the medium of your paper, to write for a few of the Bexhill boys of the Home Counties Royal Field Artillery, now on Active service in Mesopotamia?
In this country the conditions are very different to that of France, and any cigarettes or tobacco of any kind would be very welcome, as we cannot get a great variety of things here, as things are very scarce.
There are twelve of us Bexhill boys here, and we left England on the 25th February, 1916. Would you let the people of Bexhill know that we are all well, considering the conditions of this country, and we are now attached to the 1/1st Home Counties R.F.A. Must close now. Wishing your paper every success, we remain,
Dr. C. Blackford, 107, Windsor Road.
Dr. G. Clarke, 95, Windsor Road.
Dr. H. Pearman, 105 Windsor Road.
Dr. B. Stephenson, 71 Reginald Road.
Cpl. H. Wise, Merriville, Cambridge Road.
Dr. J. Clifton, 4, Edinburgh Road.
Gnr. A. Carley.
Bmdr. Taylor.
P.S. – We do not need overcoats here, as it is now 129 degrees in the shade, so you can tell we have not quite got used to it yet. – Again your, etc.
(Driver) C. Blackford, 1095,
Home Counties R.F.A.
C/o Base Depot
Indian Expeditionary Force (D),
Mesopotamia.
Harry was awarded both the Victory and the British Medal.