Owen William Steele

Owen William Steele (1887–1916) was a Newfoundland soldier and salesman who was known for his diary and letters he wrote during World War I.

Early life Owen William Steele was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, on April 28, 1887, to Samuel Owen Steele and Sarah Blanche Harris; he was the eldest of ten children. Steele received his formal education from Bishop Feild College, graduating in 1901. After he left school, Steele joined his father's business, S. O. Steele Ltd., where he stayed until 1914.

In September, Steele first encountered enemy fire at Sulva Bay, Turkey. Steele, who was promoted to lieutenant on October 15, stayed in Turkey as part of the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force until January, 1916. On March 16, 1916, Steele and the regiment left the Mediterranean.

Legacy In 1981, Memorial University was given a typescript book titled Diary of the late Lieutenant Owen W. Steele of the First Newfoundland Regiment whilst on Active Service by Steele's nephew. The book was complied by Steele's sister, Ella, who personally combed through his letters and diary to make the book. Steele's first hand account of the war is considered to be one of the best sources of what the average Newfoundlander experienced throughout the war.