David Alexander ROSS

Regimental number2138
Place of birthMiners Rest Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer and engine driver
Address'Avondale', Miners Rest, Victoria
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinWife, Mrs Mary Loretta Ross, 'Avondale', Miners Rest, Victoria
Enlistment date12 June 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name39th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/56/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 25 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll39th Battalion
FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Medal

'At ARMENTIERES on the night 22nd/23rd February, 1917. Following upon a severe bombardment of our lines, an enemy raiding party came against his Battalion. one of the enemy called upon ROSS to surrender. Being unable to get to his own rifle, ROSS rushed the German and knocked him down - falling on top of him in a shell hole. A fierce struggle ensued, during which ROSS succeeded in disarming the enemy, and subsequently in bayoneting him with his own weapon.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133
Date: 21 August 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death11 May 1964
Place of burialFawkner Cemetery