Sidney was 13 in 1911, he was born in Kentish Town, Middlesex in 1898. His parents were also Londoners Frederick and Harriet Murthwaite. His father was a metal polisher employed by a lamp manufacturer (Kitsons ?). Sidney was at school. The family lived at 35 Priory Road, Stamford. Sidney was the eldest of 7 surviving siblings ( 5 girls & 2 boys). In 1901 they lived at 18 Clarence Road, Kings Cross, London.

Peterborough War Memorial

During the war Sidney enlisted in Peterborough in 1915 joining the Hunts Cycling Battalion. Pte S.H Murthwaite Reg.No. 32516 later was attached to the Prince of Wale’s Own ( West Yorkshire Regiment 1/5th Battalion). He served in France and Flanders. He died of wounds whilst a prisoner of war on 27th May, 1918.

This was probably during the Third Battle of the Aisne. It was a battle of the German Spring Offensive that focused on capturing the Chemin des Dames Ridge before the American Expeditionary Force could arrive completely in France. The massive surprise attack lasted from 27 May until 4 June 1918. On the morning of 27 May 1918, the Germans began a bombardment of the Allied front lines with over 4,000 artillery pieces. The British suffered heavy losses, because Duchene was reluctant to abandon the Chemin des Dames Ridge. Huddled together, they made easy artillery targets.  The French had suffered over 98,000 casualties and the British around 29,000. Sidney was buried in Kortrijk, West Flanders, Belgium B.36. He is also remembered on the Peterborough War Memorial. His address given in the Peterborough War Memorial resume was 21 Milton Street, Peterborough. He was awarded the British and Victory Medals.