Robert Ross (British Marines officer) facts for kids

Major Robert Ross (around 1740 – 9 June 1794) was a British officer. He led the marines who came to Australia with the First Fleet. He was also the Lieutenant-Governor of the new settlement for convicts on Norfolk Island.

Early Life and Military Career

Robert Ross was born in Scotland. He joined the marines in June 1756. He fought in the Seven Years' War (1756–63). During this war, he was part of battles in places like Louisburg and Quebec.

Later, he became a captain. He fought in the American Revolutionary War in June 1775 at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1779, his ship, HMS Ardent, was captured by the French. He became a prisoner of war.

Journey to New South Wales

In 1786, Major Ross volunteered for a new group called the New South Wales Marine Corps. He was chosen to be its commander. He had a special, temporary rank of major.

He sailed to New South Wales on HMS Sirius. His eight-year-old son came with him. During the long journey, he moved to another ship called Scarborough.

Challenges in the New Colony

From the moment he arrived in New South Wales, Major Ross had many disagreements. He often argued with Governor Arthur Phillip and other officers. Some people who worked with him said he was very difficult to get along with.

Major Ross had different ideas about how the colony should be run. He did not want his marines to watch over the convicts while they worked. He also thought marine officers should not be part of the criminal court. These actions made it harder for Governor Phillip to manage the new settlement.

Time on Norfolk Island

To avoid more arguments, Governor Phillip sent Major Ross to Norfolk Island in March 1790. This island was another small convict settlement.

While he was there, the ship Sirius was wrecked. Its crew became stuck on the island. Major Ross then declared "martial law" for four months. This meant military rules took over from regular laws. He tried to clear more land so the convicts could grow their own food. This extra hard work made the convicts even more unhappy. He continued to argue with his officers on Norfolk Island, just as he had in Sydney. He was eventually replaced and returned to Sydney in December 1791.

Return to England

Back in Sydney, Major Ross had another serious disagreement with an officer. Soon after, on 18 December, he and most of the marines left the colony on HMS Gorgon.

Major Ross never liked living in the new colony. He did not believe it would succeed. He once said that "in the whole world there is not a worse country than what we have yet seen of this." He felt that nature was "reversed" there. He also thought everyone who came to stay now wanted to leave.

When he returned to England, Major Ross continued his military career. His temporary rank of major was not made permanent. He served as a recruitment officer for the Marines from 1792 to 1794. He passed away on 9 June 1794.

Historians say that Major Ross always stuck to his beliefs. However, he was also seen as very strict, serious, and a bit too proud.