Sidney Keyes

Sidney Arthur Kilworth Keyes (27 May 1922 – 29 April 1943, Tunisia) was an English poet of World War II.

Early years
Keyes was born on 27 May 1922. He attended Dartford Grammar School for his secondary education and later, for his tertiary, the Queen's College, Oxford. While at college, Keyes wrote the only two books of his lifetime, The Cruel Solstice and The Iron Laurel. During his time in Oxford, Keyes fell in love with the young German artist Milein Cosman, but his love was not returned.

Military service
Keyes left Oxford and joined the army in April 1942, entering active service that same year. He was sent with his regiment to fight in the Tunisia Campaign of World War II. Hitherto his service, Keyes had already written more than half of the 110 poems that would later be gathered in The Collected Poems of Sidney Keyes. During combat, he was reported to have continued writing poetry. However, these works have not survived.

Death
Keyes fought and died in action on 29 April 1943, shortly before his 21st birthday. It has also been stated that he died at the hands of the enemy, following his capture.

Recognition
In 1943, Keyes was awarded the Hawthornden Prize for The Cruel Solstice and The Iron Laurel.