Margaret Patricia Hornsby-Smith was born 17 March 1914 in East Sheen, the second child and only daughter of shopkeeper Frederick Charles Hornsby-Smith, a saddle dealer and master umbrella maker, and his wife, Ellen (née Minter). She was educated at the local elementary school, and at Richmond County School for Girls.
Margaret Patricia Hornsby-Smith was born on March 17, 1914, in East Sheen. She was the second child and only daughter of Frederick Charles Hornsby-Smith, a saddle dealer and umbrella maker, and his wife, Ellen (née Minter). Her education took place at the local elementary school and Richmond County School for Girls.