Page 75 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Life and Times of Sid Harrison

The Redditch town centre tailors outfitter of Hepworths stood in a prominent position on
the corner of Unicorn Hill and the Parade. A permanent fixture was the image of Sid
Harrison standing erect and to attention in the doorway, white measuring tape around
his neck and looking immaculate in his three piece suite. This was the place where the
ordinary working man of Redditch went for his special occasion suit. But what of the man,
and his secret life during the Second World War.

Born in the Smethwick district of Birmingham, Sid took up his career at John Colliers. In
1939 he was conscripted into the army into the Warwickshire Regiment where he trained
and after stationed at The Sillins - Callow Hill, later moving on to Hewell Grange,
Tardebigge, before being sent abroad.

Being an intelligent man he was soon singled out to be assigned to MI6 where he was
seconded to Egypt firstly, and then to Turkey and in particular to the British Embassy in
Istanbul. Part of his duties was to interview selected potential MI6 Agents, and part in
Code Breaking. Being involved mainly in Code Breaking, the work was highly secret but
interesting. He learnt of the suicide of Hitler some 24 hours before it was announced
publicly. Two professors were his superiors about whom he often recounted the following
story.

Orders came through that steel battle helmets were to be worn at all times. One of the
two highly intelligent men was often seen wearing his whilst indulging in the shower!

The war being over, Sid moved to Redditch where he joined the Hepworths network of
shops. He soon worked his way up to the position of Manager which he fulfilled with
vigour, becoming one of the countries top salesmen. Sid was a very powerful salesman.
No customer could resist his polite and helpful manner as they paraded in front of his
mirror. As you walked out of his shop, suit carefully folded into a nice big bag, you never
even noticed the six pairs of socks, couple of silk ties, and numerous underpants which
he had quietly sold to you after convincing you that you needed them.

Sid retired and enjoyed fulfilling his many interests and he is fondly remembered by all
who knew him.

© RLHS 2015 Page: 75