The Soldier's Details

Ross enlisted AIF 13 Dec 1940 and later joined 2/4th HQ Company No 1 Company as a signaller under commanding officer Lt Curnow.  Curnow was KIA Hill 200 Ulu Padan 12 Feb 1942 aged 24 years.

Ross missed much of the fighting at Singapore when he accidentally lacerated the back of his right hand and left leg – admitted 13 AGH on 10 Feb 42 and was discharged to his unit 15 Feb 1942.

Please read about Hill 200, Ulu Padan

As a POW he remained in Singapore throughout the war probably because of his carpentry skills.  He was at the following camps:

Selarang Changi,  Johore Bahru, Adam Park, Selarang Barracks Changi, Levelling Party Changi Aerodrome, XI Party, P Party and was recovered at the end of the war from Changi Gaol Camp.

Please read about X Party, P Party and Levelling Party

Doug Ross settled down after his court appearance – please read his headstone.

His parents Robert Douglas Ross and Mildred Annie Booth married 1920 at Northam.

When Doug was born, his father was a staff member of the Narrogin Post Office. Doug was their only son.

Doug’s mother died 10 July 1989 and we believe his father Robert Douglas Ross died 1961 Kewdale.

The break down of his parent’s marriage would have proved very difficult for Doug, and probably added to his inability to settle once back in Perth – he would not have been aware of proceedings while away as a POW and now had to face the sad outcome.

After the war Doug aged 36 years, married 1956 to Phyllis May Bennetts. Phyllis had been a Corporal with the AWAS Australian Womens Army Service.  The couple thereafter happily resided in Albany.

The couple resided in Albany, Doug first turning his hand to carpentry and then building.

Doug died 29 June 2008 and Phyllis died 7 March 1991.  They were both cremated at Allambie Park Cemetery, Albany.