Sidney Garron

Company Quartermaster Sergeant Sidney Gawronsky (24 August 1913 Cape Town, South Africa - 6 April 2007 Cape Town, South Africa) service number Kenya Regiment 1576, known as Sidney Garron, was the son of Morris Gawronsky (1878-1927) and Annie Gawronsky nee Cornofsky (1884-1920) of Cape Town.

During World War Two, he was living in Northern Rhodesia when he decided to sign up and help in the fight against Hitler. He served with His Majesty Forces from the 9 July 1940 until the 1 March 1946. During those years, he identified as Sidney Garron. For most of his years of service, he was in East Africa with the Kenya Regiment, also known as Kings Africa Rifles and with the 27th Infantry Brigade (N. Rhodesia). His main role for most of the war years was in managing African troops in providing supplies and logistic support. He served in this role in Kenya, then Madagascar and later Somalia. His regiment was seconded to the 1st Battalion, Northern Rhodesia Regiment from January 1945. In the last year of the war he served in India including Bombay. His unit was preparing to join the extremely dangerous fighting in Burma, and the day they were to leave for Burma, the news came that Japan had surrendered, and the war was over. He received a personal testimonial from O. C. 1st Battalion. Northern Rhodesia Regt and his military character was assessed as exemplary. He was recommended for promotion to CSM (Command Sergeant Major) which he refused for his own private reasons. He was awarded three medals: the 1939/45 Star, the Africa Star and the Burma Star.

He married Eda Beinart (1928-2021) on the 11th October 1950 in Cape Town and they had two children. He died at the age of 93 years.

Source: 1. Personnel correspondence Raynold Michael Kahn, son in law. 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27th_(N_Rhodesia)_Infantry_Brigade.