Personal Details
Born: 21 August 1898.
Family: The third son of William and Annie Lister of Steele Heath, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire. William married Mary Ellen Herriman in 1920 and together they had 3 children – Joseph W, Edna M and Percy A.
Civilian Occupation: He attended Edstaston school and left in 1912 to start work as a farm labourer. In 1939 he was a Coal hauler.
Residence: In 1939 he lived at Holly Cottage, Parks View, Coton, Shropshire.
Died: In 1970 aged 71.
Military Details
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery (previously Household Cavalry)
Rank: Gunner
Service Number: 197776 (previously 4187)
Date of Enlistment: 22 August 1916
Date of Discharge: 4 March 1919
Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation
Other Information: He enlisted the day after his 18th birthday.
William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.