16 Sep 2025
A great-grandmother who was evacuated as a young schoolgirl during the Second World War has celebrated her centenary at the Verulam House Care Home in St Albans.
Kathleen Craggs, who was born in Sunderland in 1925, had been preparing for her 14th birthday celebrations when World War II broke out the day before on September 3 1939.
As Sunderland’s shipyards made it a high-priority target for German bombing raids, she was evacuated with her classmates to live temporarily with families in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
After the war Kathleen married Alan Craggs in 1948. He had served in an armoured car division which helped liberate France following the D-Day landings. The couple had two children and lived in Sunderland, Pinner in Middlesex and finally settled in Redbourn in 2006.
Kathleen taught in primary schools and became head of infants at Grimsdyke Primary School in Hatch End. She was a dedicated member of her local community, becoming a Sunday school teacher and a leader for both the Brownies and the Girl Guides.
Kathleen and Alan were passionate about holidaying in their caravan, which they continued into their 80s, visiting all over Europe and Scandinavia. They remained very happily married for 63 years until Alan’s death in 2012. Kathleen now enjoys a multi-generational family with two grandchildren and two great grandsons and has lived at Verulam House for the past four years.
The home threw a big party for Kathleen, who was surrounded by family, friends and the caring team and St Albans Mayor Cllr Teresa Heritage.
Kathleen said: “My tip for living a long life is to enjoy its simple pleasures; a loving marriage and family, good friends, being content with what you have and living within your means, which we all had to learn in the war.
“A big thank you to the team at Verulam House for throwing me such an enjoyable party with all the fabulous musical entertainment that they know I love.”
Verulam House home manager Neil Copping said: “It was an honour to celebrate Kathleen’s 100th birthday with her, and her family and friends. We love a party here at Verulam House, but this was a particularly special occasion and landmark birthday.
“The wonderful atmosphere and great turn out for her birthday reflects what a popular and well-liked member of the Verulam House family Kathleen is.”
