Dean LISTER

23 March 1917

THE LATE PRIVATE L. WESTERN OF SKIPTON

Some particulars of the death of this Skipton soldier will be found in our inner pages. Letters of sympathy have since been received from the Army Chaplain and a number of deceased’s pals. The Rev. H. E. Tilston also mentions that Pte. Western was killed by a sniper’s bullet in the head on March 12th, when he was trying to hit the periscope of a German. He was buried with the Church service in the English cemetery, he adds, and the usual cross was being erected over the grave.

Gunner D. Lister, stationed at Winchester, writes:– “Having been a chum of Laurence for the past ten years or more, I beg to offer you my deepest sympathy in your great loss. You have lost a good son and a brave soldier, and I have lost a friend that I can never replace.” He also mentions that he had received the bad news from France that morning (March 19th).

“I had letters from Laurence and Percy;” he adds, “and Laurence had written part of his letter on the 12th of this month, and at the foot was a note by Captain Dixon to inform me that poor Laurence had been killed shortly after writing the letter.”

From a touching letter signed “Yours in sympathy, Ptes. J. L. Berry, J.E. Core, E.M. Smith, W. Holmes, J. J. Brown, J. Preston,” we take the following:– “Being your son’s pals we thought it our duty to write and let you know (of his death), and I can assure you we miss him very much. He was buried in a beautiful little cemetery along with comrades who have also answered the call, and a white cross marks his grave. We, all being Skipton lads, have always been good pals together, and more so being in the same Lewis Gun team. As yet we can hardly realise that he has gone”.

26 April 1918

Gunner Dean Lister, Skipton

Mr. and Mrs. Alec Lister, of 54 Otley Street, Skipton, have also received the distressing news of the death of their only son, Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A. Second-Lieutenant K. J. Whitham-Wignall, in a letter of sympathy to the parents says:– “Gunner Lister was in my section and always did his work with great efficiency and absolute disregard for his personal safety. He was extremely popular with all the men, and was regarded as a fine and efficient gunner by his officers. He was killed in one of the billets and died instantaneously. He has made the supreme sacrifice in giving his life for his country and in assisting to hold back the enemy. No man can do a greater or nobler thing than this. As his officer I knew him very well, and I cannot tell you how much it grieves me at having lost him.”

A letter from a Chaplain states that Gunner Lister was killed on April 11th.

Twenty-five years of age, deceased learnt his trade as a bookbinder at the ‘Craven Herald’ Office and won a scholarship, which enabled him to continue his studies at the Leeds Art School where, for two years, he was also a teacher. He had also established a successful bookbinding business in Coach Street, Skipton, and his prospects were exceedingly bright when the war broke out. He was a member of the Skipton Parish Church Institute. He enlisted in March 1916, and had been at the Front since May last.

18 April 1919

LISTER – In ever loving memory of Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A., killed in action April 15th, 1918.

We shall never forget him,
We loved him too dearly
For his memory to fade
From our hearts like a dream.
The lips need not speak
When the heart mourns sincerely,
For grief often dwells
Where it seldom is seen.

Ever remembered by Father and Mother, 51 Otley Street, Skipton; and Nellie, 19 Castle Street.

LISTER – In loving memory of our dear friend, Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A., killed in action April 15th, 1918.

In the bloom of his youth death claimed him,
In the pride of his manhood days;
None knew him but to love him,
None mention his name but with praise.

From Tom and Elsie Sedgwick, Bradford.

LISTER – In loving memory of Gunner Dean Lister, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, killed in France, April 15th, 1918.

Though land and sea divide the spot
Where he is calmly sleeping,
Yet in our hearts he’s not forgot,
Though in our Saviour’s keeping.

From Aunt and Cousins, Ivy Cottages, Farnhill.

LISTER – In loving memory of our dear friend, Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A., killed in action April 15th, 1918.

Gone to his rest through the pathway of duty,
Venturing his life that others may live;
Such are the words of the tablet of beauty,
In letters immortal in honour we give.

From Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick and Eveline, 19 Castle Street, Skipton.

16 April 1920

LISTER – In ever loving memory of Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A., killed in action April 15th, 1918, aged 25 years.

One by one earth’s ties are broken,
One by one they’re linked above;
Some day there’ll be sweet reunion
In the land of light above.

Ever remembered by Father and Mother, 54 Otley Street, Skipton; and Nellie, 19 Castle Street.

LISTER – In loving memory of Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A., killed in France April 14th, 1918.

Time does not change our thoughts of him,
Love and dear memories linger still.

From Aunt and Cousins, Ivy Cottage, Farnhill.

15 April 1921

LISTER – In loving memory of Dean Lister, killed in France, April 15th, 1918.

“Still linked by a love that is stronger than death.”

Father and Mother, 31 Otley Street; Nellie, 19 Castle Street.

LISTER – In loving memory of Gunner Dean Lister, R.G.A., killed in France, April 15th, 1918.

“Time passes, loving memories still remain”

From Aunt and Cousins, Ivy Cottages, Farnhill.