Sidney was born 31 August 1906 in Poplar, London to Hyman, a tailor, and Miriam nee Cohen with the surname Schalk. He had two younger brothers, Jack who served in the RAF as a flying officer and Alexander. In 1921, Sidney aged fourteen was living with his parents at 43 Malmesbury Road in Bow, London and working as an office junior for a general merchants. In July 1936, he married Renee Cross and they lived with his parents at 63 Windsor Road in Forest Gate, Essex and he is listed as an upholsterer.

While serving as a corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, he was admitted to the emergency hospital in Winwick, Lancaster where he died on 26 August 1944. His death certificate states: (a) Cerebral Tumour (secondary) (b) Carcinoma Lung.