Canadian Army General. A native of Purbrook, Simcoe County, Ontario, he was one of Canada's earliest well known military and law enforcement figures. He became interested in the military and obtained a commission as an Ensign in the 35th Regiment of the Militia in 1866, later serving in the Fenian Raid in 1866, and the Red River expedition of 1870. In 1873 he became a troop-sergeant major in the North West Mounted Police, becoming the organizations first Superintendent in 1885. During the Boer War in 1900 Steele took control of the Lord Strathcona's Horse Canadian Light Cavalry unit which was sent to South Africa, where he also headed the South Africa constabulary from 1901 to 1906. In 1907 he returned to Canada and became Commander of the Second Canadian Contingent in World War I, earning the rank of Major General. A year later he was made the rank of General Officer Commander for Shorncliffe, England. He was also instrumental in keeping the peace during the Yukon gold rush of 1895. He was the author of "Forty Years In Canada" (1915), which told of his career. He died of influenza in London, England, at the age of 60.
Canadian Army General. A native of Purbrook, Simcoe County, Ontario, he was one of Canada's earliest well known military and law enforcement figures. He became interested in the military and obtained a commission as an Ensign in the 35th Regiment of the Militia in 1866, later serving in the Fenian Raid in 1866, and the Red River expedition of 1870. In 1873 he became a troop-sergeant major in the North West Mounted Police, becoming the organizations first Superintendent in 1885. During the Boer War in 1900 Steele took control of the Lord Strathcona's Horse Canadian Light Cavalry unit which was sent to South Africa, where he also headed the South Africa constabulary from 1901 to 1906. In 1907 he returned to Canada and became Commander of the Second Canadian Contingent in World War I, earning the rank of Major General. A year later he was made the rank of General Officer Commander for Shorncliffe, England. He was also instrumental in keeping the peace during the Yukon gold rush of 1895. He was the author of "Forty Years In Canada" (1915), which told of his career. He died of influenza in London, England, at the age of 60.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
Inscription
Sacred to the Memory of
Major General Sir Samuel Benfield Steele
K.C.M.G., G.B., M.V.O.
Beloved Husband of Marie E de L.Harwood
(4th) Son of the Late Captain Elmes Steele RN
Late of Canadian Active Militia, Canadian Permanent Force, Royal NorthWest Mounted Police, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) and South African Constabulary 1866-1918.
Family Members
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