Sydney was born on 8 July 1915 in Mile End Old Town, London to Poland born parents Leon, a tailor, and Sophie nee Isaacs and he had two younger sisters Bella and Lillian. In 1939, before enlisting Sydney worked as a jewellery salesman and he was later pensioned out of the Army due to poor health.

He died at home at 52 Thirlmere Avenue, Reading, Berkshire and his death certificate states: ‘1(a) Pulmonary Tuberculosis, (b) advanced of both lungs, left first, then right. 2 Myocarditis.