Air Marshal Sir Ernest Sidey (1913-2002)

A most distinguished former pupil of the school, Air Marshal Sir Ernest Sidey, died on the 18th September. Ernest Sidey was born in Alyth in 1913 and went to the Primary School there. He attended Morgan Academy Secondary Department from 1925 until 1930. Thereafter he took a degree in medicine at St.Andrews University and entered the medical branch of the R.A.F. in 1937.

The early part of his service was spent in Afghanistan and India. He returned to the U.K. as senior medical officer for Coastal Command in 1943 and,subsequently, in a similar position with Fighter Command 12 Group. In an impressive career, he reached the pinnacle of his rank as Director General of R.A.F. Medical Services from 1971 to 1974.

He was appointed C.B. in 1965 and K.B.E. in 1972. In 1966 he was appointed Honorary Surgeon to the Queen.

Leave a Reply