One day, while he was out with friends in Locarno, Streatham during his leave from the Irish Guards, Sidney met a lovely pair of sisters, Winifred and Lucy. Unfortunately, he ended up growing fond of them both, but in the end, he chose to pursue his growing feelings for Winifred. In order to guarantee a call from her
, Sidney stooped to stealing her handbag. Luckily, it worked and the two began dating while Sidney was still serving the army in Palestine and Egypt. Unsure of where he would live when he was discharged, Sidney found himself rushing into decisions and proposed to Winifred in order to establish a home for himself.
Being fond of his time in the army, Sidney began to regret marrying so hastily as it prevented him from making a career for himself. In the earlier years of their marriage, Sidney began to wonder if they were truly compatible and became restless and rebellious, eventually walking out on their marriage for one day. During those 24 hours, Sidney went to pursue a woman he had met at an army dance with no luck, so he returned home.
Reflecting on his marriage of 62 years, Sidney acknowledges that it had its ups and downs, but he can say that he no longer regrets his decision to marry. Although he does admit that at first it may have been a marriage of convenience, he believes he is lucky to have been able to make a life with his wife. In Winifred’s absence, after her passing, Sidney still cherishes their children and describes them as one of the best presents you could receive in life.