Frederick Wilberforce (Fred) Steele (1885–1914)
In recording the death in action of Lieutenant Steele, late of "Normanhurst," Kew, Victoria, the London "Times" publishes the following:— Lieutenant Frederick Wilberforce Alexander Steele, Royal Fusiliers (who was officially reported "wounded and missing" at the beginning of December) was the son of Mr. Philip J. Steele, of Melbourne, and joined the Royal Fusiliers from the Australian Commonwealth forces in 1907, receiving promotion in 1910. He was in the battle of Mons and the subsequent actions, holding the rank of captain in the field until 26th or 27th October, when he fell at Neuchapelle. His gallantry and skill brought him the personal congratulations of Sir John French, mention in despatches, and a recommendation for the Distinguished Service Order. Lieut. Steele was 29 years of age.
Original publication
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- birth notice, Argus (Melbourne), 19 September 1885, p 1
- death notice, Age (Melbourne), 26 October 1915, p 1
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Steele, Frederick Wilberforce (Fred)
- Steele, Johanna Albertina (mother)
- Corin, Albertina Millicent (sister)
- Steele, Philip John (brother)
- Steele, Henry Cyril (brother)
- Steele, Norman Leslie (brother)
- Steele, Rupert (nephew)
- Steele, Norman Cyril (nephew)
Citation details
'Steele, Frederick Wilberforce (Fred) (1885–1914)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/steele-frederick-wilberforce-fred-20547/text36839, accessed 14 March 2025.
Frederick Steele, by C. Vandyke, n.d.
Australan War Memorial, 2016.587.21
Life Summary [details]
Birth
12 September,
1885
Albert Park, Melbourne,
Victoria,
Australia
Death
26 October,
1914
(aged 29)
Neuve Chapelle,
France
Cause of Death
Cultural Heritage
Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.
Religious Influence
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.