| Birth | 1896, Froyle, Hants | |
| Parents | Son of Ezar & Ellen Steer, of Lower Froyle, Hants | |
| Residence | Bamberous Cottages, Lower Froyle, Hants | |
| Occupation | Working in Garden (1911) | |
| Enlisted | Winchester, Hants | |
| Regiment | 2nd Bn., Hampshire Regiment | |
| Regimental No: | 21363 | |
| Rank | Lance Corporal | |
| Service Record | “X” Company. | |
| Death | 16th June 1918, killed in action, aged 21 | |
| Theatre of War | France and Flanders | |
| Commemoration | Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, Morbecque | |
| Medals | Victory Medal, British War Medal | |
| John Heber Kempton Gladstone Steer was born in Froyle on 11th September 1896, the son of Ezar and Ellen (née Mayhew) Steer. In the 1911 Census the family were living at Bamberous (now known as Bambers) Lane, Lower Froyle. Although Gladstone’s (as he was known) father had been an Odiham man, he married a Froyle girl and lived and died in Froyle, bringing up 10 children in the process. Like his brothers and sisters, Gladstone would have gone to Froyle School. His sister, Adelaide, the baby of the family, died aged 8, of diphtheria. Her death is mentioned in the school log book. Gladstone enlisted in Winchester, and joined the Hampshire Regiment, as 21363 Private John Steer. He was serving, as a Lance Corporal, with X Company, 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, when he was killed in action in France, on 16th June 1918. He was 21 years old. |
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| Gladstone was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for, according to the Alton Gazette of 15th July 1918: | ||
...... keeping a whole patrol of the enemy at bay for a long time, enabling help to come up, which saved his company from destruction. |
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| It also stated: | ||
Corpl Steer is always remembered at school for his merry disposition and also for his humorous contributions to school concerts. Mr and Mrs Steer have been the recipients of many messages of sympathy. |
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| Lance Corporal Gladstone Steer also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He was laid to rest in Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, Morbecque, France, Plot 4. Row C. Grave 6. |
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| Bamber Cottages in 1970 (They were known as Bamberous Cottages in the Steer’s time) | ||