Robert Ross (Royal Marines officer) facts for kids

Robert Ross (born around 1740, died June 9, 1794) was an important military officer. He led the marines who traveled with the First Fleet to Australia. This fleet started the first European settlement there, which was a place for convicts. Later, Ross became the leader of Norfolk Island.

Early Life and Military Service

Ross was born in Scotland. He joined the marines in June 1756. He fought in big wars like the Seven Years' War (1756–63). During this war, he helped in battles at Louisburg and Quebec.

He became a captain and fought again in June 1775. This was during the American War of Independence at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In August 1779, his ship, HMS Ardent (1766), was captured by the French, and he became a prisoner.

Journey to Australia

In 1786, Robert Ross joined a new group called the New South Wales Marine Corps. He was made its commander and given the special rank of major. He sailed to New South Wales on the ship HMS Sirius. But during the trip, he moved to the ship Scarborough. His eight-year-old son came with him to Australia.

Challenges in the New Colony

Ross often disagreed with the governor, Arthur Phillip, and other officers. Some people, like David Collins, really disliked him. Another officer, Ralph Clark, said Ross was the "most disagreeable commanding officer" he had ever known.

Ross did not want the marines to guard or watch the convicts. He also did not want marine officers to be part of the criminal court. Even his own officers disagreed with his choices. Ross believed the marines' main job was to protect the settlement. He wanted Governor Phillip to build strong fortifications for defense. His actions often made it harder for Phillip to start the new colony.

Time on Norfolk Island

In March 1790, Governor Phillip sent Ross to Norfolk Island. This was probably to get him away from Sydney. The ship taking him there, the Sirius, was wrecked. Its crew got stuck on the island.

Ross then declared martial law for four months. This meant he had special powers to control everything. He made the convicts work much harder to clear land. This was so they could grow more of their own food. The convicts hated him for this extra hard work. Ross continued to argue with his officers. Because of this, Governor Phillip had to remove him from the island. Ross returned to Sydney in December 1791.

Return to England

Back in Sydney, Ross had an argument and then a fight with an officer from the new New South Wales Corps. On December 18, he and most of the marines went back to England on HMS Gorgon.

Ross did not enjoy living in the new colony. He did not think it would be successful. He once said that "in the whole world there is not a worse country than what we have yet seen of this." He also said that "every person...who came out with a desire for remaining...are now most earnestly wishing to get away from it."

In England, Ross could not keep his rank of major. He was made a captain-lieutenant and no longer had an active command. From 1792 to 1794, he worked as a recruitment officer for the Marines in St Albans. He died on June 9, 1794.

Historian Mollie Gillen said that Ross could be admired for always doing what he thought was right. However, she also described him as "narrow minded, censorious, self-important and almost totally humourless."