-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour
Memorials to Men Lost in the Sinking of Hood, 24th May 1941
Updated 04-Feb-2007

In Remembrance of
Douglas Merson Steel

Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Commander (Instructor)
Date Joined Hood: 06 August 1939
Biographical Information: Douglas was the husband of Margaret Steel, of Soberton, Droxford, Hants. He was born in Keighley, Yorkshire on 05 April 1897 to Thomas and Mary Steel. The family utlimately resided in Boston. He was educated at Mvrs. Stothert's Private Preparatory School until age 9 (1906). He then attended school at Boston Grammar School and later, Cambridge University (M.A.).

He first saw military service in the First World War. He was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Field Artillery. During his service he was wounded once and reached the rank of acting Captain. Following the war, he resumed his academic studies, then took a commission in the Royal Navy in the early 1920s.

By September 1927 Douglas had been promoted to Instructor Lieutenant Commander. He subsequently served on the staff of the RN Engineering College, Keyham (H.M.S. Vivid) from September 1928 to August 1929.It was during this timeframe (1929) that he and Margaret were married. They would ultimately have four children.

From September 1930 to September 1932, he served in the cruiser H.M.S. Dorsetshire. He then served aboard the batteship H.M.S. Resolution from September 1933 to July 1935. He was promoted to Instructor Commander in September 1935. From March 1936 to February 1937, Douglas served at the H.M.S. Ganges training establishment in Shotley.

Following Ganges, Douglas attended a course of instruction and was posted to the battle cruiser H.M.S. Hood. He was killed in action aboard Hood on the morning of 24th May 1941. He was 44 years old at the time of his loss.

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