I Was Born Here In 1946

A Memory of West Byfleet.

Not exactly a memory, but I can advise you that I was born at Highfield Maternity Hospital in Highfield Rd on Saturday, 28 September 1946.

As the local hospital at Rotherhithe, in London's docklands, had been war-damaged, parts of it were not in use, and there were, of course, many expectant mothers in 1946. My mother was 33, expecting her first [and only] child, so she was evacuated to Dorin Court, Woking, and thence to Highfield Rd, West Byfleet, staying in the Woking area for about 4 weeks in all.

Some years ago, I drove into Highfield Road, but could not identify, with any certainty, the place of my birth. Are there any photos? Records? How long did this hospital function?

I am anxious to know, as I am pleased to have been a West Byfleet baby, but would dearly love to know more.

Padre STEFAN M.J. GATWARD
Military Chaplain
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent