FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
STEEL. — Died of wounds received in action in France on September 19, 1916, Thomas Robert, dearly beloved fifth son of Jessie, and the late Alexander Steel, in his 29th year. “He did his duty," -Southland Times, 30/9/1916.
Private Thomas Robert Steel (died of wounds), was the fifth son of the late Mr Alex, and Mrs Jessie Steel, of West Plains, Southland, where Private Steel was born and educated. A brother was wounded in the same battle. Private T. R. Steel was employed in farming, was keenly interested in horses, and was a member of the Southland A. and P. Association. -Press, 5/10/1916.
Thomas Steele went missing during one of the Canterbury Regiment's fights during the Battle of the Somme. He was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. It is possible that, by the time he was admitted, he had lost so much blood that little could be done for him and he died at the Station.
RIFLEMAN JOHN STEEL.
Rifleman Jno. Steel, killed in action on August 19th, was 32 years of age when he enlisted in the 3rd Battalion of the N.Z. Rifle Brigade. He was the son of Mrs and the late Alexander Steel, of West Plains, where he was born and educated. After leaving school he was employed at the Underwood Factory for 11 years, and for the last six years prior to enlistment, was with Messrs Wilkins Ltd., at Invercargill. While at Underwood he was a member of the Underwood Football Club. He was also a keen angler. A brother, Private Thos. Steel died of wounds received in the battle of the Somme. -Southland Times, 11/9/1917.
John Steel was killed during the period of consolidation of ground taken during the Battle of Messines. It was a period of hard work, digging trenches and making barbed wire barriers. German artillery was very active.
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