Sidney Ward Allinson was born in Alford, Lincolnshire on 12 July 1904, one of identical twins. His brother, Francis, was also FRCS, and died in 1990. He was educated at Aldenham School and University College Hospital. He subsequently joined the Indian Medical Service and worked as a civil surgeon in

Muhammad Siddiqui was born on 12 July 1902, and graduated at King George's Medical College, Lucknow in 1928. In 1932 he became Professor of Anatomy in the same College, and later came to England to obtain the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1935, and the Fellowship in 1937. After his