Sydney Fred Huggins was born on the 14th of February 1894 in Bradford and baptised on the 23rd April 1894 at Otley Road Methodist Chapel, the son of Samuel Huggins and Ellen, nee Long, both of North Lopham, Norfolk. In 1891 Samuel was given as an out of work linen weae but by 1901 he had found work in Bradford as a chapel keeper and the family came to live at 29 Northampton Street. Sydney Fred was born in 1894 when the family were living at 47 Cordingley Street. By 1911 Samuel was working as the school caretaker and living in Highfield School House, Tong Street. At 17 years of age Sydney was a student apprentice to general

printing. The family later moved to 84 Mount Street, Eccleshill. When Sydney enlisted he was employed by Messrs Hart and Clough, Printers of Swaine Street, Bradford. Sydney enlisted on the 23rd of February 1915 as Private 22761. The Machine Gun Corp was formed in October 1915 with three branches, Cavalry, Infantry and motor and Sydney became a Corporal in the Infantry branch of the 31st Battalion of the Machine Gun Corp. He carried a shoulder-held light automatic weapon which was carried and fired by one man. Little is known about Sydney’s war service as machine gun units were moved about to where they were needed but he did serve in Egypt

before transferring to the Western Front. As Sydney was killed in action on the 25th March 1918 when the Battle of Bapaume was taking place it is likely that he was fighting in this battle. He was 24 years of age. Sydney is remembered on the Arras Memorial. This Memorial commemorates servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918. He left his effects to father Samuel who received £10.5.10d on the 7th November 1918 and a War Gratuity of £15.0.0d on the 4th December 1919. Researched and written by Jean Britteon to whom many thanks