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Sid’s home has been in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell all his life and his career was to be a carpenter and cabinet maker.
Following his father, who was a regular soldier, Sid joined the Territorials with the Royal Berkshire Regiment as soon as he was old enough. He was called up to go for active service in 1939 just before the start of World War 2. He was therefore absent from home during the War.
He was too young to be taken to France at the beginning of the War but after the Dunkirk evacuation from France, he was taken with his Regiment to the Western Desert battles. He then fought at the invasion of Sicily in 1943 followed by the landing in Italy. During that campaign he was involved in the very hard fought Battle at Monte Cassino. This was followed for him in 1944 by an attack on Anzio along with many thousands of American and British troops where they met with very strong Panzer Regiments. During this period Sid was severely injured by a grenade. He was transferred to a field hospital and subsequently brought back home for further treatment.
After the end of the War in 1945, he was released from Army Service and returned to Brightwell. He was then able to continue his career as a carpenter and cabinet maker.
In his spare time he was able to develop his skills as a bugler and a drummer which enabled him to join the Cholsey Silver Band.
He and his wife, Teresa, worked very hard for the British Legion. They ran dances and concert parties with Sid playing in the band. Sid also played his bugle for the Last Post and many other calls whenever requested for a formal occasion.
He was Secretary and later Chairman of Brightwell British Legion Branch for many years. For the amount of work he did for the Legion and for those in our village that needed help, he was awarded the Legion’s Gold Badge.
He made a great contribution to our country during the war and to our village before and after the War. Tony Hayzelden
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