Staff Surgeon John James Steel
NSW Naval Brigade,
NSW Boxer Rebellion Contingent.
by Robert Simpson
John James Steel was born in the parish of Cumbrae, the County of Bute, Scotland on 24th September 1854. He was one of six children (and the eldest) to Robert Steel and Mary Allardyce. Robert and Mary were married on 6th November 1853 in Huntly, Aberdeenshire Scotland. Robert had been born in England in 1827, but had Scottish parents. His father, James, was a colliery agent. His father died early in life and the family moved back to Scotland. Mary was born in Scotland in 1822. Robert studied in Scotland and received his M.A. in 1846. He then did a divinity course in Edinburgh and was a minister to various churches in Scotland and England. By 1861 they were living in Cheltenham Gloucestershire England at 1 Alstone Villas and John was attending school. Robert was the Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Cheltenham. The family arrived in Sydney in 1862, after he accepted a call there. His story in Australian Dictionary of Biography tells of a person who was devoted and passionate about his calling and life. Words like brilliant and eloquent ministry, generously serving, and great personal culture and dignity were used to describe him. Robert passed away in Sydney on 9th October 1893 and is buried in Rookwood Cemetery. His obituary also praises his life and work. In his will he left his children to pick one picture and two books (other than those already bequeathed to St. Andrews College Sydney) and to divide his estate equally amongst the five children (although Robert also received his land and house at Moss Vale and 100 pounds as he “was satisfied with his choice of the Christian ministry”). Of his other sons, Robert Alexander Steel became a Reverend in Campbelltown, and Hugh Peden Steel, a solicitor in Sydney. Their two daughters married.
John took his medical degree at the Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. He also studied at the Universities of Paris and Sydney and secured the M.B., C.M. at Melbourne University. In August 1878 a Scottish newspaper reported that John had passed his final exams for the double qualification of physician and surgeon in Edinburgh. He was senior assistant physician and then resident medical officer of the Royal Infirmary of 
Glasgow for a number of years and then practices in Dudley (as Medical Officer in the Dispensary) and Birmingham.
On 7th October 1878 John married Frances Mary Murdoch at Blackfriars in Glasgow Scotland. Mary’s father, John Murdoch, was a highland patriot and pioneer of land reform in Scotland according to his gravestone. In 1881, as recorded in the England Census of that year, they were living at 59 Moreton St. Birmingham Warwickshire England and he was a Medical General Practitioner LRCP, MRCS. On 20th August 1879 a daughter, Ruby Sidney, was born to them at Priory Road, Dudley England. They then migrated to Australia and arrived in Sydney in February 1882. He was declared by the New South Wales Medical Board to be a legally qualified practitioner on 14 March 1882. On 10th November 1885 they were divorced with the Australian Town and Country Journal having the following item:-
“STEEL V. STEEL AND WRENCH. – This was a suit by Dr. John James Steel for divorce from his wife on the ground of her adultery with R. F. Wrench. The parties were married in Scotland on October 7, 1878, and there is one daughter of the marriage, who is now 6 years of age. They arrived in Sydney in February, 1882, and the co-respondent visited at their house. It seems to have been the oft-repeated story of a too-confiding husband and a faithless wife and friend, for the petitioner said that he had had no suspicion of any impropriety existing until his wife went away with the co-respondent, notwithstanding her expressed anxiety for the latter, who had been away with the Soudan Contingent, her earnest wishes for his return, and her insisting upon having a bedroom separate from her husband. However, his wife afterward absconded, and the petitioner received from her from Melbourne a full confession of what had happened, and the guilty parties had since been living together.”
Lieutenant Robert Frank Wrench was part of the Australian Contingent to the Soudan. It is known his occupation was “late Captain of the 4th Battalion Natal Native Contingent” as stated on that roll. Robert was born in Holborn England on 28th April 1856 and baptised in St Andrews Church Holborn the same year on 20th May. His parents were John Holmes Wrench and Maria Elizabeth Davies who were married on 10th September 1853. John was an optician. They lived in London and Robert was there in the St. Pancras area in the 1861 census and until after the 1871 census. What happened then is not known as no military records for him can be found apart from the following medal rolls. Apparently he was promoted to Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion 1st Regiment of Natal Native Contingent on 25th November 1878 and was promoted to Captain on 26th April 1879. Robert was entitled to the South Africa 1877 medal and it is listed in the medal roll he engaged against the Zulus in 1879 while in the contingent noted above. It also has 1st Battalion beside his name. He served with Bengough’s Natal Native Contingent and is only mentioned as being in the troop who rode up to Isandlhwana a few weeks after the disaster that occurred there. The party consisted of volunteers, most who were officers, who left Rorke’s Drift with every precaution being taken to guard against surprise. The medal was issued on 23rd August 1882 originally and then on 17th December 1897. Apparently the original was reported stolen in China and he asked for a reissue, which was impressed, naming in the QSA style. This explains two medals being extant. In 1883 his father passed away and left a reasonable estate to the family.
Robert embarked on SS Iberia on 3rd March 1885 as a Lieutenant in C Company and returned to Australia on SS Arab on 23rd June 1885 as part of the Contingent of New South Wales Infantry for the Sudan. He was also entitled to the Egypt medal with the clasp Suakin 1885 and the Khedive’s star. A note on the roll stated “Disbanded July 1885” and the address as Brigade Office Sydney. On 5th June 1886 they were married at St. Stephens, Richmond Victoria and in 1887 they had a son, Ronald Frank Wrench. (He is listed as Roland in the death record but Ronald in all other records). They had moved back to England by then as Ronald was baptised there in 1887. His military career must have finished as he is listed as a Gentleman on the baptism list. They were living at 9 Park Villas West, Queens Road Surrey then. At some stage Robert was living in Wenchow in China as noted in the London Gazette after his death. There is a record of a R. F. Wrench embarking on the Preussen from Southampton to Shanghai China on 17th April 1906. While in China he was working as an Acting Tide-surveyor or assistant Commissioner as noted in various government books of the early 1900’s from China. Ronald was involved in a cricket match in 1908 as recorded in the Consular Gazette. Ronald also served in WW1. He enlisted as Gunner in 41st D.A.C. R.F.A. 116182 on 31st December 1915 at the age of 28. Roland gave his next of kin details as his uncle, a Major Charles Stevens. He listed his father’s occupation as Captain R. F. Wrench (N.S.W.M.I.) late of Chinese Maritime Customs Wenchow. After it was realised he could talk Chinese and was a clerk he was given a rank of temporary 2nd Lieutenant and posted to 111 Company, Chinese Labour Corps in August 1917. He was injured when he stated he was trying to find his kit and got his ring caught in a nail which then ripped the end of his finger off, being sent back to England. But his Officer Commanding had adversely reported on him, stating he went lorry hopping and on a joy ride. He also commented on his lack of discipline and attitude towards the Chinese. He relinquished his command and retained the rank of Lieutenant on 24th October 1919. His occupation was listed as clerk and his address was c/o B.P.O. Shanghai China. Robert Wrench passed away in Middlesex England on 20th May 1915 and the probate went to their son, Ronald. At that time Ronald was living in Shanghai in China. He married Florence Wilson in England in 1919. In 1927, while living in New South Wales, he requested his medical files, only to be denied them. Ronald passed away in Queensland in 1929. What happened to Frances is not known as she does not appear in any records after the birth of Ronald.
John carried on a practice in Liverpool Street. He rapidly acquired a large practice due to him being recognised as one of the ablest men in his practice in the colony. Even so the divorce must have bankrupted him as in 1886 he applied for an insolvent business. In a newspaper on 13th February 1886 a list of new insolvents was published with John noted as a physician and surgeon of 205 Macquarie St. Sydney who had liabilities of over 1000 pounds and assets of only 20 pounds. He had his first meeting with the Chief Commissioner at 11am on Tuesday 6th April about it. It was still proceeding in 1887. At some time he was also District Medical officer at Sydney Hospital. He was also connected with the naval brigade for many years and his untiring energy and zeal was a large factor in the proficiency of the Naval Brigade’s Medical Corps. The whole medical department of the corps was under his charge at one stage. He was also a well-read man in general literature including the works of Shakespeare. John watched the progression of his profession and made sure he kept up with the latest developments in it. He had a wide circle of friends who admired him for his agreeable manners, his kindly disposition, and his wide knowledge of men and books. John James Steel L.R.C.P. Edin., L.R.S.C. Edin., M.B., Univ. Melb. was appointed as surgeon in the New South Wales Naval Forces as a surgeon in May 1896. During 1898 he was promoted from Surgeon to Staff Surgeon in the Naval Brigade.
In 1900 the Boxer Rebellion occurred in China and the Europeans in Peking were besieged. A naval brigade was raised by voluntary enlistment and was send there to serve with the British section of the International Force. With them went four medical officers, one of which was Surgeon-Captain John Steel as the senior medical officer. He was involved with the initial enrolment of the contingent at the barracks at Port Macquarie where he did medical examinations. They embarked on S.S. Salamis on 8th August 1900. The P.M.O. of the British force afterwards reported that the officers and ratings rendered excellent service. His heroism and devotion to duty was described in a newspaper article in a long march where he attended the sick that were overcome by heat and continued on foot with the ranks as the continued. It was said he was in bad health since he over-exerted himself in his efforts during the Peitang Forts’ expedition. He had apparently only left a hospital on the day the contingent commenced marching to Peking. He had insomnia and dysentery.
Another article said he was personally popular as well as being skilful as a surgeon. It was stated by Captain Gillespie that his death was accidental. An article in the Lancet in 1901 also stated he died of an accident. Referring to the forced march to Petaing it outlines how hot the day was and that sunstroke affected the marchers. Steel was the only medical officer who went as the other surgeon remained in camp and so had to care for more people. He had to tend for those that had collapsed, and then catch up with the main body, time and time again. Even when they reached the camp he had to follow up with the stragglers and took a search party out to find them. After doing his duties the next morning, the heat at noon got him and he collapsed and was taken to the hospital. Upon his release and arriving at the camp he was greeted with a rousing reception.
John was discovered dead in his room late in the evening of 10th November 1900 by Commodore Connor at about 11p.m. as he had noticed a light and was going to say goodnight and see how he was. He had not been well for some time according to the inquiry and had been taking chloral hydrate dose at night to help him sleep. It was assumed he took an overdose by mistake. Commodore Connor made comments in his diary about Steel which gives an insight into him without actually identifying his problem. He commented “Steel very bad indeed, Captain noticed it”, “I wonder if it will have an effect. He was mooching around…” “The Captain showed me a draft letter re Steel but as the Dr was in bed I could not get at him”. Previous comments in September and October include: “Saw Dr Steel in hospital he was much better having a brand new experience as patient in a hospital”, “Steel off again”, “Steel very bad”. Again in October he was in hospital. He went to see Steel in October about “awful indigestion”. James also vaccinated all the officers while there which took all day. He also visited the Forbidden City with a group of officers. It was noted in a book on the Boxer Uprising that John had started to drink heavily after he arrived there, so maybe that is what the Commodore was referring to.
On Wednesday 14th November 1900, The Sydney Morning Herald published his death notice as such; “STEEL.- November 10, whilst on active service at Taku, China, John James Steel, M.B.,C. M., L.R.C.P. and S., Edin., Staff-Surgeon of the N.S.W. Naval Contingent, and eldest son of the late Rev. Robert Steel, D.D., aged 45 years.”.
He was buried with full military honours in the temporary graveyard in the grounds of the British Legation and was later exhumed and re-interred in the British cemetery at Peking. As all records were subsequently destroyed and the cemetery area used for a hotel it is not known where his grave is now.
His obituary appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on 25th December 1900 and makes for interesting reading. This is the obituary as written:-
“Great and general regret was evidenced by the officers and men of the New South Wales Naval Contingent at the sad and sudden death of Staff surgeon John [James] Steel, and the cable news to Sydney of his decease must have been received with widespread sorrow by his numerous circle of friends The late officer had been in bad health since the Peitang Ports’ expedition, in which he over-exerted himself in endeavouring to relieve the sufferers from forced marching privations endured, and he had only left the Gordon Ball Hospital at Tientsin on the day the contingent commenced to march to Peking, and was far from well. He was troubled with insomnia and dysentery, and had been in the habit of taking small doses of chloral to induce sleep. He faithfully discharged his duties in such a kind manner as to earn the gratitude and esteem of his patients and quietly yet bravely he endured considerable pain and maintained his gentle, manly demeanour to the last. It was about 11 o’clock on Saturday night, November 10, that Commander Connor, noticing a light in the doctor’s bedroom, looked in to say good night and see how he was. Commander Connor was startled to find the doctor lying at the threshold of the door, evidently just dead. Medical assistance was quickly procured, and an inquiry was held on Sunday morning, and the evidence went to show that Dr Steel had probably taken an overdose of chloral, and the shock caused by a fall whilst getting out of bed, combined with an enfeebled system, had produced fatal results.
The deceased surgeon was a widower, and had one daughter, Miss Ruby Steel, who is at present living in London. He was very scholarly and refined, and had an excellent knowledge of German and French, which had been put to practical account many times in China, He was highly esteemed and popular. His conversational abilities were much envied. Only two days before his death, his brother officers will now remember the striking and courageous defence which he made at the dinner table of the much-abused missionaries and their work in China. In military circles general missionary effort is regarded as wasted and the cause of much of the present troubles, but Dr Steel combated the arguments single-handed, and won the admiration of those opposed to him by his able and sturdy plea in favour of missionaries. His remains were buried with full military honours in the little British graveyard outside the western wall of the tartar city on the morning of November 12. The cortege was impressive, and about 100 blue jackets and marines led the way through the narrow streets, followed by a detachment of the 12th battery of Royal Field Artillery, then came the picturesquely dressed pipers of the First Sikhs, who rendered a beautiful Indian dirge—”The broken heart”. A gun carriage bore the coffined body, wrapped in the Union Jack, and at each side walked the principal mourners, including Captain Gillespie and Commander Connor, behind followed the ambulance and stretcher party with which the deceased officer had so long been associated, then the chief petty officers, followed by the commissioned officers. A great many British officers also attended, including Lieutenant-General Gasalee, Commander-in Chief, and his staff; Brigadier-General Sir N. Stewart and his staff, whose presence to pay their last tribute of respect to the first New South Wales officer to die in China was greatly appreciated by the sorrowing contingent.”
As part of the New South Wales contingent he was entitled to the China medal. John was number 15 on the ship’s book.
How did the divorce and subsequent bankruptcy affect his health, and what impact did it have while he was in China? It is not known; but combined with his insomnia, the use of a sedative and his illness through dehydration, they may have all combined to cause his demise.
Probate was granted to his will on 1st December 1900. His daughter Ruby had moved to England before his death. She married Greville Nelson Laslett, a General Merchant in 1901. She passed away in 1975 in England.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.