Sydney Frederick Williams was born 29 December 1866, the son of the Rev. Stephen Frederick Williams, the Rector of Cold Norton, Essex, England.[1] and his wife, Carolyn Sydney.[2]
He was baptized on 27 February 1867 in Bromborough, Cheshire, England.[2]
Williams was educated at Haileybury entering there in 1880, and leaving in 1885.[1][3]
On 17 November 1896 at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, Williams married May Grant Gwyer, the daughter of Cecil Francis Gwyer and Mary Stewart Mitchell of Edinburgh, Scotland.[4] Her father's family were merchants in St. Petersburg, Russia.[1] Through her mother, May was a member of the Smalls of Dirnanean. The couple lived at 1 Thurloe-court, Chelsea, London most of their married life.
After completing his education at Haileybury, Williams entered the Royal Engineers on 18 February 1886.[1] He was promoted to captain in 1896,[1]Lieutenant-Colonel in 1913 and colonel in 1918.[6] He was elevated to Brigadier General in 1919 after serving as Chief Engineer between 1916 and 1918.[6] In 1916 he was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.[6]