Sydney Sams was born 17 November 1898 in the Parish of Lynesack & Softley to Henry John and Elizabeth Sams.  He was baptised 2 August 1899 at Bishop Auckland. In 1901, the family lived at Engine Yard, Lynesack.  He attended Cockfield C. of E. School then in 1907 the County School.  The family lived at Front Street and in 1911, at 2 Vane Terrace.

Sydney Sams was posted to 12/DLI then 13/DLI [service no. 78450] and was transferred to the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment [service no.55832].  He was awarded the Victory and British War medals.  He married Gertrude Saltmarsh in 1922. S. Sams died in June 1967 aged 68.