Centenarian Returns to School for First Time Since WWII Began
By Community Correspondent
A 100-year-old woman has returned to her former school for the first time since her education was interrupted by the outbreak of WWII.
Maureen Smith revisited Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form, 86 years after leaving at the age of 14 in September 1939.
During her visit on 11 March, she met staff and Year 12 students, shared memories of school life and wartime Britain, and toured the school, where she also viewed archive photographs and recognised her former headteacher.
The visit was arranged by Royal Star & Garter, the charity where Maureen now lives in Surbiton.
She was joined by her niece, Jacqui, who also attended the school in the 1960s.
Maureen said: “I remember feeling quite relieved when I discovered I didn’t have to return to school in 1939. It’s great to be back all these years later. Returning brought back so many happy memories, and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the current pupils and teachers.”
After leaving school, Maureen joined the war effort at just 15, working at the Hawker factory in Kingston, where Hurricane aircraft—vital during the Battle of Britain—were built.
She remained there until 1953 before later starting a family with her husband, an Army veteran. She moved to Royal Star & Garter in April 2025.
Jacqui added: “You could see how much my aunt enjoyed her time back at the school, and so did I. I’m grateful to everyone involved for making it such a special day for both of us.”
Sam Dixon, Subject Lead for History, said:
“It has been a privilege to welcome Maureen back for the first time since 1939. To return more than eight decades after the outbreak of war is truly extraordinary. Our pupils and staff were captivated as she shared vivid memories of her experiences.”
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Yasmin Rogers, Deputy Home Manager at Royal Star & Garter, said:
“Being able to reconnect Maureen to such an important place from her past is truly special… it reflects our commitment to person-centred care.”
Royal Star & Garter provides care for veterans and their families living with disability or dementia across several UK locations.
