Regimental number | 1972 |
Date of birth | |
Place of birth | Swan Hill, Victoria |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Farmer |
Address | Yarraby via Swan Hill, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 24 |
Next of kin | Father, Henry Thomas Steer, Yarraby via Swan Hill, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 58th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/75/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A31 Ajana on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 57th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Photo: Peter Dennis |
Medals |
Military Medal 'On the night of 31st August attempts were being made to force a passage across the canal and marshes of the SOMME south of PERONNE. A fighting patrol, of which Corporal STEER was a member, attempted to cross, but was unsuccessful. Next day he volunteered for a second attempt, this time in daylight. The patrol in crossing on an improvised bridge came under heavy fire. Many were swept off the bridge but Corporal STEER kept urging his men on till it was impossible to advance further. A number of the patrol had been killed and others wounded, and Corporal STEER showed great courage and devotion to duty in getting the patrol back and carrying the wounded to safety. In these operations he was associated with Sergeant DOW whose fine work is also the subject of a recommendation for reward.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 41 |
Place of burial | Balranald Cemetery, New South Wales |