Memories of VC hero 100 years on
THE great nephews of a First World War hero have shared their memories of him in the run up to the 100th anniversary of his ‘ most conspicuous bravery in attack’.
Joseph Lister was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry after his actions during the Battle of Passchendaele on October 9 1917.
Under heavy enemy fire he ran towards a German machine gun position and killed two soldiers before forcing the surrender of around 100 more.
Born in Salford, he moved to Reddish in Stockport as a child and, having survived the war, returned to the borough and his wife Harriet. He lived there until his death at the age of 76 in 1963.
His great nephews, Alan and Robert Dean, lived just around the corner from Joseph’s house on David Street and, although they were still children when he passed away, retain fond memories of the man who risked his life to save his fellow fusiliers.
Alan, 71, said: “He always seemed to be very quiet. He never really wanted to talk about what happened with us, although apparently he would talk about it at the working men’s club after a few pints!
“All of our family lived very close together – when they moved from Salford they all moved to the same area. It was just normal for us to have all our aunts and uncles around.”
Robert, 68, added: “I remember being in the playground and seeing Joseph walking up the street with his medals on, going to some ceremony or other. I ran out to ask him about it but he said it was nothing really - he always just brushed it off.
“Another memory is of going to his house on David Street for bonfire night. He had this green chaise lounge to burn and it was incredibly heavy because it was made of solid wood, stuffed with horse hair and covered in green leather.
“It would probably be worth a fortune now, but it went on the bonfire.”
Prior to the war Joseph worked at Lowe’s Chemical Works and on his return as a postman and night watchman, then took on a job as a lollipop man following his retirement.
The Friends of Stockport Cemeteries Group is this year commemorating his life as part of its Centennial Commemoration of the Great War – members have been telling the story of a different soldier buried in Willow Grove Cemetery each year.
A blue plaque is due to be placed on David Street and it will be unveiled following an event to commemorate those who died in the war at Willow Grove Cemetery on Saturday, November 4.
The event will start at 10am and the plaque will be unveiled at around 1.30pm.
For more information visit friendsofstockportcemeteries.co.uk.