David William Steer was one of at least six children born to Thomas and Mary Steer. Thomas was originally from St Georges in Bristol and was born there in about 1867. Mary, his wife was born in Llanfabon in about 1869. Thomas was shown as a gardener in 1901.

Their children were:

Margaret E - born in 1891
David William - born in Jan/Feb/Mar 1892
Florence - was born in 1893
Gwen - was born in 1897
Joan Annie - was born in 1899, and
Jessie was born in Oct/Nov/Dec of 1900

The family made their home at:

4 Glynbargoed Road, Trelewis

Despite the head of the family speaking only English, Mary must have had a great amount of pride in her ability to speak Welsh and brought all their children up to be able to speak both Welsh and English.

David William Steer married Esther Butler in July/ August/ September 1917 at Merthyr Tydfil.

In 1918, they were living at 18 Caiach Terrace, Trelewis.

A family member has placed an entry in the visitor’s book that contains more information about David Steer. Please see entry No 20.

Matter of interest regarding Five Points cemetery, Lechelle, Bapaume

News:

October 12^th 1918.

Killed in action.

Private David William Steers, 33252, 13^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment was killed in action on 25^th September. The sad new was received by his parents Mr and Mrs Tom Steers, Caiach Terrace last week in a letter from the Chaplain. The letter states that Pte Steers was killed in his billet by a shell, death being instantaneous. He was buried on the 25^th September in the British cemetery, and a cross erected over his grave. Private Steers who was 26 years old, joined the forces in 1915 and had been 3 years on active service.
He was not actually in the firing line as he was a shoemaker and repairer and, it is assumed he was killed by a stray shell.
Whilst home on leave in July 1917 he was married at Gelligaer Church to Miss Esther Butler of Walsall. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a locomotive driver at Treharris Colliery.

[Source: Merthyr Express]