James Steele was born in Shotts, Scotland, on May 6, 1883. His sister, Margaret Steele, was living at 284 Davis Street, Sarnia (and was listed as his next of kin). James was conscripted to service on January 3, 1918 in London, Ontario with the 1st Battalion. At time of his draft, James, a bachelor, was living at 360 Maria Street, Sarnia, and working as a locomotive fireman. He became a member of the Army, Canadian Infantry, Saskatchewan Regiment, 5th Battalion, with the rank of Private. On September 1, 1918, James Steele would lose his life the result of wounds received while fighting in France during Canada’s final Hundred Days Campaign. In early September of 1918, James’ mother Margaret Steele in Sarnia, would receive word that her son, Pte. James Steele, infantry, had been dangerously wounded and admitted to the 7th Canadian Casualty Clearing Station. Later, she would learn that James Steele was officially listed as, Died of Wounds – No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station. Thirty-five year old James Steele is buried in Ligny-St. Flochel British Cemetery, Averdoingt, Pas-de-Calis, France, Grave III.D.2.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G