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Frederick Wilberforce (Fred) Steele (1885–1914)

Frederick Steele, by C. Vandyke, n.d.

Frederick Steele, by C. Vandyke, n.d.

Australan War Memorial, 2016.587.21

Captain Frederick Wilberforce Alexander Steele

Born in 1885, the eldest son of Philip John and Albertine Steele, of "Normanhurst", Denmark Street, Kew. Educated Melbourne Grammar School 1899-1901. Lieutenant in the Australian Field Artillery in 1905 before transferring to the British Army and serving at Jubbulpore in India. In August 1914, he went to France with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. Served at Mons. A few weeks later he was wounded, but quickly rejoined the Battalion. He was killed while leading an attack at Neuve Chapelle on October 26, 1914. Mentioned in Despatches. He was the first MCC Member to lose his life in the War.

In honour of the three Steele brothers, the area at Melbourne Grammar known as the Wilderness was reconstructed and named the Steele Memorial Ground. There is also a commemorative plaque in St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne.

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Citation details

'Steele, Frederick Wilberforce (Fred) (1885–1914)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/steele-frederick-wilberforce-fred-20547/text31438, accessed 30 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Frederick Steele, by C. Vandyke, n.d.

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

killed in action

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

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Education
Occupation
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