Sidney Herbert Lister

His service record shows that he attested at Retford on 9th September 1914, having previously served with the Sherwood Rangers. After initial training he went to France on 2nd March 1915. Under the headline RETFORD TERRITORIAL KILLED the Reford Times of 22nd Oct 1915 reported the death of Private Sydney Lister: 'It is with deep regret that we record the death of another brave Retford Territorial in the person of Pte Sydney Lister. It is believed that he fell with many others in the taking of a great enemy stronghold. The gallant young man was shot through the head and died instantaneously. He was the youngest son of Mrs Lister, The Crescent, West Retford, to whom deep sympathy is extended by her large circle of friends. Yesterday would have been his 31st birthday, and somewhere in France are beautiful presents and tokens of birthday greetings sent to him by his relatives and friends. Years ago Pte Lister was apprenticed to the ironmongery business at Mr Hildreds. At the termination of his apprenticeship he went to London and then to South Africa and ultimately went well up the country as a trader. While paying a long visit to his home war broke out and after vainly endeavouring to enlist in his old regiment, the Sherwood Rangers, he joined the 8th Sherwood Foresters. He was of a jovial nature and was the life and soul of his platoon. His genial and kindly manner endeared him to his comrades and he will be much missed.' Loos Memorial, Dud Corner

Ordsall St Alban's parish magazine, November 1915, Roll of Honour: 'George Baldock, 6th Lincolns, Clarence Holliday, 9th Sherwood Foresters, Sidney Lister, 8th Sherwood Foresters, have fallen.' (Retford Local Studies Library, ref 942.52 ORD) Information on Sidney Lister provided courtesy of Alan Laurie