Steven John was born in Laugharne in west Wales. After researching the men on the Laugharne war memorial he discovered several close family members who had lost their lives during the Great War, and became interested in uncovering the stories behind the men named on other local war memorials. This interest led to the publication of his first book, Carmarthen Pals, and his second book, Carmarthen in the Great War. Welsh Yeomanry at War was inspired by his great uncle who was killed while serving with the battalion at pehy in September 1918.