Personal papers, including correspondence and photographs, a diary and other papers relating to Somper's service in the RAF during World War II; papers relating to the Dalston Synagogue, 1929-30, and the Edgware Synagogue, 1935-46
Professional papers, 1931-94, includes material relating to Somper's MA thesis; papers for the Solomon Wolfson Jewish School, 1948-70; barmitzvah tuition, 1946-86
Sidney H. Somper (1908-94) was educated at Central Foundation Boys' School; Owen's, Islington; and King's College, London, 1927-32. He obtained a BA in History in 1930 and a Teachers' Diploma in 1932. He also attended Jews' College, London, for two years as a postgraduate student. From 1932 until 1941, Somper taught in schools and at evening institutes across London. His war service in the RAF took him to the Middle East and principally to Egypt and Palestine. He was demobilised in 1946 and on his return to England took up teaching again at the Hammersmith Day College. Here he taught older students, mainly on part-time day release. He also began barmitzvah tutoring. In 1954 Somper obtained a MA from the University of London. Shortly after this he took up the post of headmaster of the Solomon Wolfson Jewish School in Bayswater, where he remained until his retirement in 1969. In retirement he worked for a number of communal organisations, most notably as joint secretary of the Central British Fund.
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Compiled by Gwennyth Anderson
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