1901, 31 March: The Census shows him living in 15 Russell St, Plymouth (St Andrew), Devon with his parents and siblings. His father was described as a butcher's assistant. [This road no longer exists].

1911, 2 April: The Census shows him living in 12 Victoria Road, St Peter Port, Guernsey with his parents and siblings. Now his father is described as a pork butcher and the Census confirms that all eight of the children of the parents were still alive. At this time the 18 year old was described as a flour miller.

1916, 20 May: A report in the Guernsey Weekly Press of this date stated that: News has been received by Colonel St Leger-Wood, DS.O, Acting Lieutenant-Governor, from Major Barlow, RFA, commanding the 45th Reserve Battery in which are the following passages which will be read with pride by islanders: "We sent off yesterday direct to the 9th Divisional Ammunition Column 24 men who were the first batch of the men you sent here a short time ago. They behaved excellently while here, were very keen and picked up their gunnery at 4.5 [inch] Howitzers in a remarkably short time - 7 weeks! They were trained by one of my men, Mr E McCulley who is connected with the Islands, and both he and I would like to have some more like them if you have any more of the same sort who want to become Field Gunners." This may have stirred Sydney to enlist.

1916, 6 Jul: He enlisted as Driver 91759 in the 9th Division Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery for the duration of the war with his service reckoning from the date of his enlistment. At the time of his enlistment he was living with his parents at 14 Pedvin Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey and worked as a butcher. His physical description was that his height was 5ft 4 inches, his chest when fully expanded was 37 inches and he weighed 125lbs. He was also recorded as having tattoos on both arms.

The 9th Divisional Ammunition Column (DAC) was raised in Guernsey in March 1915. It consisted originally of officers and men of the Royal Guernsey Artillery and Engineers plus a considerable number from the Royal Alderney Artillery and Engineers Militia, totalling about 400 in all. The original idea was that they would form a Heavy Artillery Battery, but the War Office refused the offer so instead they were formed into the 9th DAC, Royal Field Artillery.

1916, 9 Sep: He was posted to 45th Reserve Battery, 3 "C" Reserve Brigade, RFA. The 9th DAC went to France in May 1915 and served on the western front for the remainder of the war. Sydney was no doubt fortunate is not being sent to join them as a reinforcement.

1917, 10 Mar: Appointed acting bombardier with that unit at Swanage and on 18 Jun 1917 was appointed acting full bombardier also at Swanage.

1917, 13 May: Posted to School of Instruction.

1917, 23 June: In an extract from the report of NCO's who attended the 13th Course of Instruction for Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery NCO's at Woolwich which terminated on this date he was reported as "Good instructor. Should improve with experience. Recommended for more advanced instruction." At the same time it was also reported that he had passed the standard test in Anti-Gas measures and had been through the Gas Chamber on 22 May 1917.

1919, 21 Jan: Medically examined at Deepcut, Surrey Heath, Surrey. At that time was listed as living at 3 Victoria Rd, Oldfield Park, Bath.

1919, 25 Jan: Released from service at Fovant Dispersal unit nr Salisbury, Wilts as Lance Bombadier.

1920, Dec Quarter: Married Lilian May Elizabeth Harris in Bath Register Office who had been born Dec Qtr 1896 in Bath the daughter of Martin Luther Harris and Sarah Ann nee Neil.

1948, 14 Aug: He died at Crescent Gardens, Bath while living at 91 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London. At that time his widow inherited £704 from his estate.