Sidney was born on 9 July 1917 in Cardiff, Wales to David and Russian born Janey née Malamid. Sidney was the youngest of six children, Joseph, Isadore, Ethel, Hilda and Leslie. Their father David served in WW1 and then worked as a bullion buyer. In 1939, the family were living at 5 Wordsworth Avenue, Cardiff.

Sidney and his brother Isadore attested into the RAF at Padgate at the same time, and another brother Leslie signed up six months later at Blackpool. They both survived.

Sidney was the wireless operator on Wellington R1437 which departed from RAF Feltwell on a night operation to Berlin. The aircraft was shot down and crashed at Holderfehn, Germany. Four of the crew were killed and two became prisoners of war.
Killed: Sergeant S Felman, Sergeant F E Day, Sergeant S Terry, Sergeant J Caddick.
POW’s: Sergeant D Jameson, Sergeant A C Sutherland (RNZAF)