Sydney Roy Webster was born in Millfields Road Clapton in the east end of London on 7th October 1919 during the reign of King George V. Along with the birth of Syd, 1919 saw many events that would become part of our history; Prime minister David Lloyd George announced that the Treaty of Versailles had been signed signifying the end of war, the last British troops left Archangel in Russia and Afghanistan gained independence from the United Kingdom. The Cenotaph in London was unveiled to commemorate the dead of the World War and the Football League was resumed, four years after it was abandoned due to the “war to end all wars”. Syd was the youngest of his family with two brothers Ted and Ernie and a sister Ivy. His father worked in the print trade and Syd often recalled early memories of his father returning home from work with blackened hands and face from the ink he worked with. As a child, Syd loved to watch his favourite football team Leyton Orient playing at their home ground from his bedroom window, although from his vantage point he was only able to see one end of the pitch! Syd and his brothers loved to play tricks on their Mum by blackening her face with coal dust from the fireplace when she was asleep. He remembered a very happy but simple childhood. After leaving Rushmoor Road School at the age of 14, he trained as a bookbinder but shortly after, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became employed in the print trade where he stayed until 1940. On 15th February 1940, at the age of 21, Syd enlisted in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Following his training, he was posted to North Africa to fight in the desert war. Syd was active in the Battle of El Alamein Egypt, and then fought in the desert of Libya before moving with his unit to fight in the Tunisian desert. During a battle here, Syd was severely wounded having been machine gunned in his leg and foot. Due to the proximity of the enemy, Syd’s unit could not reach him immediately. During an emotional conversation in recent times, Syd told of his fear as he lay in the sand waiting to die whilst protecting the body of a 19 year old fellow soldier. He said he felt the need to protect the boy as he lay dead in the sand. Syd used what clothes he could find in an attempt to keep himself warm but as the desert temperature fell to freezing Syd said his final prayers and goodbyes as he believed he too would perish that night. Miraculously, to Syd’s amazement he survived the night and couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw British soldiers approaching over the early morning horizon. There was no ambulance to carry Syd to safety so his fellow soldiers utilised a Bren Gun Carrier to take Syd to the nearest field hospital where he believed his life was saved. He told us he often thought of the boy who had died and wondered how the boy’s mother took the news when she was told. Syd’s wounds were too serious to be treated on the battlefield so he was shipped home to England for treatment where he spent many months of agonising surgery and rehabilitation. He was medically discharged from the army in 1943. When he had recovered sufficiently he returned to the print trade. Syd had met his first wife Myra when serving during the war and after being reunited he married her in 1945. Their only child Keith was born in August 1946. Syd worked his way up in the print trade and was eventually promoted to manager. In 1959 he moved with his wife and son from the London’s east end to Harlow in Essex where he continued in the print trade as an area manager. In 1960 Myra died following her brave battle with cancer. Syd struggled as a lone parent until he met and married Betty. In 1964 the family moved to Abbess Roding in Essex and in 1972 they moved again, this time to Norfolk where Syd and Betty both worked at Fellbrig Hall. They lived in a cottage in the grounds, Syd worked as a gardener/woodsman and Betty worked in the main house. When Syd reached the age of 65, they retired and moved to Aldbourgh where they enjoyed a secluded and contented life and made many friends. Betty passed away earlier this year on 29th January. Following her death, Syd moved to a care home in Suffolk very near to where his son Keith lives. Keith wanted his father nearby so he could be there for him during his twilight time of life. Syd loved to flirt with the female staff at the care home but remained the perfect gentleman as he was all his life. He had many medical problems and was in and out of hospital numerous times in recent months but his inner spirit was so strong he always pulled through. During the time he lived in the care home, Keith and Syd rekindled the bond and love they had for each other. They had many talks about their past and the good times they had shared together. Syd spent his 93rd birthday at Keith’s home where he enjoyed smoking his favourite pipe for what was to be the last time. Syd died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday 20th October 2012. He was a very proud and honest man, though often stubborn. Keith is very proud to call him his Dad and will miss him very much.