Mrs Ethel Augusta Pond

Mrs Ethel Pond, VAD nurse who lived in Bromley during World War two

Recognition for Bravery

Red Cross Distinguished War Service Certificate

The many friends of Mrs Ethel A. Pond, MBE, Commandant Kent 50 Voluntary Aid Detachment, will be delighted to hear that she has been awarded the British Red Cross Society’s Distinguished War Service Certificate or devotion to duty on the night of a severe raid in April.

She went out with the mobile canteen serving tea and light refreshments to firemen and members of the Civil Defence Services in the midst of danger always, and at times under the arch of flames.

The bravest of the brave, she continued her ministrations the next day, and was on duty 20 hours at a stretch in that calm and efficient spirit which has distinguished her career.

Mrs Pond is on the Civil Defence headquarters staff under Dr. Kenneth E. Tapper, Medical Officer of Health.

It is interesting to note that she was Bromley’s first V.A.D. about 30 years ago, and during the last war (1914-1918) she was the Commandant of Kent 52 V.A.D., known as the Bromley Town Detachment, and served at various hospitals, Elstree, South Hill Wood, Langley Wood, Bromley Palace, Holy Trinity Convent and in Holwood Road. 

After the Armistice she was awarded the MBE for her war services.

Extract featuring Mrs Ethel Pond as featured in the Bromley Times - 26th September 1941

Source:
Bromley & District Times, 26th September 1941 (page 5)

You can find our more about Ethel Augusta Pond on the Bromley First World War website

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