Private Sidney Walter Pillinger

Sidney Walter Pillinger was born to Parents Ernest and Elizabeth (nee Petchy), who had married in July 1886. By the time Sidney was born on 22nd September 1894 they already had three children: Ernest, Maud and Charles. Sidney's father appears to have run his own business working as a Cab Proprietor and in the census of 1891 the family were living at 24 Cowan Street, Camberwell.

Walter Sidney (but known as Sidney Walter) and his brother Charles were both baptised at St. Georges in Camberwell on the 11th November 1894.

Several more children followed Sidney's birth: Leonard in 1896 and Beatrice in 1898.

By January 1901 the family had moved to 35 Carter Street, in Newington. More children were born to the couple: Beatrice in 1901, Vera 1902, Cyril in 1904 and Gladys in 1906.

Tragically Sidney's mother Elizabeth died November 1908 aged 42, Sidney would have been aged 14. The following year his brother Charles died aged 16 .Sidney's father either fell on hard times or poor health. He struggled to keep the family together and on the 16th September 1909 the five youngest children: Leonard, Beatrice, Vera, Cyril and Gladys were all admitted to the Southwark workhouse. They were discharged on the 13th October 1909 but the following month the four youngest were readmitted . In the census of 1911 these four children were listed as inmates in a children’s home in Hanwell.

Sidney's father died March 1911 and at this time the three older children are now all working: Maud aged 21 was working as a Picture wire packer, Sidney aged 16 as an Errand Boy and Leonard aged 15 as a Book binders shop boy. All three were listed as boarders living at 92 Faraday Street in Walworth.

Sidney enlisted on the 7th September 1914 for military service, within weeks of war being declared. He enlisted with the Suffolk Regiment before being transferred to the East Surrey Regiment 4th Battalion. He attended full training for 3 months at Devonport and it was here that he developed a cough for the first time. He was transferred to the 11th Battalion and put on light duties. He was not posted overseas.

Sidney married Daisy Anna Holt 19th September 1915 at St. James in Bermondsey. His occupation was listed as a solider with the East Surrey Regiment living at Abbey Field Barracks in Colchester whilst Daisy's address was listed as 99 Spa Road Bermondsey.

Sidney and Daisy had just the one child, Joan Elizabeth born 8th October 1916 and baptised at St. Mary Magdalene in Bermondsey.

Sidney served 2 years and 41 days and was discharged from military service on 16th October 1916 as no longer physically fit for war service. He was suffering from Tuberculosis of the lung. His address on discharge was given as 2 Artillery Lane, Bermondsey.

Sidney died on 3rd February 1917 aged 22 and was buried in Morden Cemetery, Garth Road on 8th February. His name also appears on a stone cross memorial in the churchyard.

Sidney's widow Daisy remarried in Eastbourne in 1919 and became the wife of Victor Elliott. The couple emigrated to Nova Scotia in Canada.