Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1915 ‘French theatre’ M.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel O. W. D. Steel, Monmouthshire Regiment and Royal Army Medical Corps

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (Capt. O. W. D. Steel. Monmouth. R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Lt. Col. O. W. D. Steel.); Territorial Decoration, silver, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1920, with integral top riband bar, mounted as originally worn, generally very fine or better (5) £1200-1600

M.C. London Gazette 14 January 1916.

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1916 and 25 May 1918.

Owen William Dyne Steel was born in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, in May 1887, and was the son of Dr. W. D. Steel. He was educated at Marlborough College, and studied Medicine at Emmanuel College, Cambridge and London University Hospital. Steel was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 4th Volunteer Battalion, South Wales Borderers, in July 1905. He advanced to Lieutenant in January 1908, and stayed with the Battalion when it was re-designated the 3rd Battalion, The Monmouthshire Regiment.

Steel was promoted to Captain in July 1911, and was employed as House Surgeon in charge at Stamford, Rutland and Lincoln General Infirmary. He served during the Great War with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from 27 October 1915. Steel’s gallant conduct with the Battalion is recorded in the Abergavenny Chronicle , 14 May 1915:

‘The Battalion had had the rough experience of 21 consecutive days in the trenches prior to this attack, and though they suffered very severely, there is some consolation in the fact that the Germans received even greater punishment.

In this terrible action [8-9 May] the 3rd Battalion have covered themselves with glory. There were many heroes, some of whose deeds may go unrecorded. Not the least of them is Capt. O. W. D. Steel, one of the most popular officers, and the eldest son of Col. W. D. Steel of Abergavenny. According to a private of the 3rd Mons., Capt. Steel deserves the V.C., for, regardless of his own safety, he carried in the wounded and gave them medical attention between the lines. It is reliably reported that Capt. Steel’s conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty have not gone unrecorded, and he may shortly hear that suitable recognition has been awarded. The public will await with eagerness the full story of the gallant part the 3rd Monmouthshire Batt. have played in this trying ordeal. Although, as we state, we cannot give the numbers of killed, wounded, and missing, we are pleased to be able to state that about 60 straggles came in after roll call, so that the losses were not so great as was at first supposed.’

Steel transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps (T.F.) in August 1915, and was immediately attached to his original unit. He advanced to Temporary Major, and then Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, when placed in command a Field Ambulance, June 1918. After the war he was appointed to command the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, and he relinquished his commission in July 1921. In later life Steel resided at Castle Vale, Pennybont Station, Radnorshire. He died in Leominster, in March 1967.

For the medals to the recipient’s son, see Lot 41.

Sold with a file of copied research, including photographic images of recipient in uniform.