ROSS, Andrew, John and James

Andrew, John and James, the sons of Andrew and Margaret Ross, were born in the Inverell District. Their parents lived at Beaulieu near Inverell when their sons enlisted for War Service.

John, who had gone to school at Goonoowigall and had been a member of the Inverell Pipe Band, was a twenty four year old Plumber when enlisted under the name of John Clark at Maryborough, Queensland on 6 November 1914. He became a member of C Company, 15th Battalion which sailed from Australia on HMAT A40 Ceramic a few weeks later. This Battalion served under Colonel John Monash at Gallipoli where John was Killed in Action at Asma Dere on 8 August 1915.

James, a twenty three year old Carpenter, enlisted in October 1915 and was a member of the 18th Battalion, 10th Reinforcement which left Australia on HMAT A15 Star of England in March 1916. He served in France where he was Killed in Action on 3 May 1917 during the Second Bullecourt battle. James has no known grave and his name is among those inscribed on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France. His personal effects, including wallet, diary, photos and wrist watch were returned to his Mother.

Andrew, the eldest son, was thirty one when he enlisted at Inverell in August 1916. He joined the 33rd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement and left Australia on SS Port Napier in November 1916. After training in England his Battalion was sent to France in April 1917. Andrew survived two gunshot wounds during the War and returned to Australia in 1919.

The Ross brothers have their names inscribed on the Beaulieu and Gum Flat Honor Rolls, whilst John and James have their names on the Inverell Honor Roll and Cenotaph. In 1919 memorial trees were planted in their Honor in Kurrajong Parade.