The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J Steere

Jack Steere was born on 16th January 1911 and educated at Wallasey Grammar School. He joined the RAF at Halton in September 1927 as an Aircraft Apprentice.

After passing out in August 1930, as a Rigger, he was posted to RAF Felixstowe. In 1932 Steere served aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious.

He applied for pilot training and in 1934 was posted to 4 FTS Abu Sueir. With the course completed he joined 23 Squadron at Biggin Hill in 1935.

Steere served with 41 Squadron at Sheik Othman, Aden in 1936 and joined 72 Squadron at Tangmere at its formation on 22nd March 1937.

Still serving with 72 Squadron on 7th December 1939, he shared in the destruction of two He111's SE of Montrose. He took part in squadron operations over Dunkirk in May/June 1940.

On 1st July Steere shared in the destruction of a He59, on 31st August he damaged a Do17, on 1st September he probably destroyed a Me109, on the 2nd he destroyed a Me110 and damaged another, on the 23rd he probably destroyed a Me109, on the 29th he damaged another, on 11th October he destroyed a Me109 and on 9th November he shared in destroying a He111.

From 26th November until 24th December 1940 Steere was at CFS Upavon for an instructors course on Masters and Tutors.

He was promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st April 1941 and commissioned in January 1942. He later instructed at CFS and was awarded the AFC (gazetted 13th June 1946).

Steere stayed in the RAF postwar, retiring on 16th July 1961 as a Squadron Leader.

He was the elder brother of Harry Steere, who flew with 19 Squadron in the Battle and was killed in 1944.

Steere died in 1998.