Raymond Lister

RAYMOND LISTER

Private 200784 (4008), 4th Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Died 3rd September 1916 aged 21

No Known Grave Commemorated Thiepval Memorial Pier, Somme, France

Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Lister

Lived 19, Grosvenor Terrace, Heckmondwike

Raymond was born in February 1895, the only son of Joseph, a Scotch Carpet Weaver, and Elizabeth nee Crowther of King Street, Heckmondwike, who had married in 1882 at George Street Chapel; and was also the grandson of Abraham, also a Scotch Carpet Weaver, and Elizabeth nee Lister of Sharpe Street. The family originated from Norristhorpe, Liversedge.

Raymond was baptized on 7th April 1895 at George Street Chapel, as his three older sisters, Emma, Gladys and Winnie had been. His schooling was completed at the Heckmondwike Secondary school on High Street, now the Grammar school.

His father Joseph is named as a restaurant proprietor of the Temperance Hotel by 1901 and they resided at 3, High Street, Heckmondwike. Raymond's mother and two of his sisters were running the restaurant by the time of the 1911 census, whilst his father was employed as a Colour Foreman in a mill, and 16 year old Raymond was working as a Tailor's Apprentice.

Raymond enlisted at Bradford taking the rank of Private 4008 in the 1st Battalion the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders who were recruiting in the area. In time he was attested to the 1st Battalion. His war record is lost but the Heckmondwike Herald newspaper published news that Raymond was missing at the front in September 1916. His father, Joseph had died in the autumn of 1915.

"Of Private Raymond Lister, Cameron Highlanders, son of Mrs Joseph Lister, Jeremy Lane, Heckmondwike, nothing has been heard since August 31st. A War Office communication stated that he has been missing since September 3rd, but no word has been received from him since the date named." It was to be many months before the war office sent confirmation to his mother, by then at 19, Grosvenor Terrace, Jeremy Lane, Heckmondwike, of his having been killed in action.{KH-087}

Medals: British War and Victory.

Commemorated on: Cameron Highlander’s Roll of Honour at Fort George, Inverness.

George Street Plaque; Heckmondwike Grammar School Plaque; St Saviour's Wooden Memorial, now inside St James’ Parish Church; the Vellum Roll of Honour and Green Park Memorial.

The copyright image of Raymond used on this webpage is from the Imperial War Museum "Bond of Sacrifice" collection, the reference is Raymond Lister © IWM (HU 124192). This image and other related ones can be viewed in the Imperial War Museum "Bond of Sacrifice" collection by clicking on the link below:-

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