The papers consist of a large number of files of engineering and thermodynamic notes. There are also files on a damage control course, 1943, the Senior Officers' Course, War College, 1949 to 1950, and intelligence reports about Nazi Germany, 1947. In addition, there are two physics notebooks, undated, and official service documents. Finally, there are a large number of photographs, some of which relate to the life of Lister's father, Engineer Rear-Admiral Francis Henry Lister (d. 1918).

Administrative / biographical background
Lister entered the Navy in 1916. He qualified in engineering as a lieutenant in 1924, was Commander (E) in the Newcastle, 1943 to 1945, and served in the Engineer-in-Chief's department, 1946 to 1949. Lister had become Captain (E) in 1946 and in 1950 joined the Mechanical Training and Repair Establishment at Portsmouth where he remained until his retirement in 1953.