John Campbell Ross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Campbell Ross
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|
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Jack |
| Allegiance |  Australia |
| Service/ |
First Australian Imperial Force Second Australian Imperial Force |
| Years of service | February – December 1918 1943 – 1945 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Wireless Operator |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Relations | -Irene (wife) -Peggy Ashburn (daughter) -Robert (son) |
John Campbell Ross (born 11 March 1899 – died 3 June 2009) was a very special Australian. He was the last person alive in Australia who had served in World War I. John, often called Jack, was born in Newtown, Victoria, near Geelong.
He joined the army twice. First, he was a wireless operator in World War I. Later, he served as a corporal in World War II. Jack Ross lived to be 110 years old.
Contents
Who Was John Campbell Ross?
John Campbell Ross was an Australian soldier. He is famous for being the last surviving Australian veteran of World War I. He was also the oldest man in Australia for a time. People often called him Jack.
Early Life and Military Service
Jack Ross was born on 11 March 1899. His hometown was Newtown, Victoria, a suburb of Geelong.
Serving in Two World Wars
Jack first joined the army in January 1918. This was during World War I. He worked as a wireless operator. Even though he joined, he never left Australia. This meant he did not fight in battles overseas.
Years later, Jack served again. This was during World War II. He was a corporal in the 20th Battalion. This group was part of the Volunteer Defence Corps.
Australia's Oldest Man
Jack Ross received special medals. On 11 November 1998, he got the 80th Anniversary Armistice Medal. This medal marked the end of World War I. He also received the Centenary Medal. This award was for his contributions to Australian society. It celebrated 100 years since Australia became a federation.
In October 2005, another veteran named William Evan Allan passed away. After this, Jack Ross became the last Australian digger from World War I. A "digger" is a nickname for an Australian soldier.
On 12 June 2007, Jack Ross became Australia's oldest man. He was 108 years old at the time. This happened after Frank Scarrabelotti died. Later, he was confirmed as the oldest person in Australia. This was after E. Beatrice Riley, who was 112, passed away.
His Later Years
Jack Ross celebrated his 110th birthday. He enjoyed chocolates and cake. He also received a special letter. It was from the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd.
Before retiring, Jack worked for Victorian Railways. He retired from his job in 1964.
Jack Ross passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was at the Golden Oaks Nursing Home. This was in Bendigo. He died on 3 June 2009. He was 110 years old.
