British War Medal 1914-20 : Major P J Ross, 3 Field Artillery Brigade, AIF

British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Relates to the service of Percy John Ross, born 21 December 1885 at Toowoomba, Queensland, a public servant accountant. Ross, who had two years' service as a subaltern with 1 Battery, Australian Field Artillery, applied for a commission in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 17 August 1914, and was appointed a Second Lieutenant on 2 September 1914 with 7 Battery, 3 Field Artillery Brigade (3 FAB).

Ross embarked for overseas service on 25 September 1914 aboard the transport 'Rangatira'. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 February 1915 in Egypt. His unit embarked for Gallipoli aboard the 'Cardiganshire' and landed on the morning of 26 April. Lieutenant Ross was placed in command of 7 Battery which figured prominently in the support of the Lone Pine attack from 6 August 1915.

The unit war diary for 7 August notes that '7th and 9th Batteries doing excellent work, the former against infantry targets and the latter against artillery. At 7.30pm enemy's gun got on to No 4 gun, 7th Battery and though 15 HE shells were put in no damage was done to gun or detachment. Parapets badly smashed. This battery kept up fire all night against Snipers Ridge, Weir Ridge and Wanless Valley. Generals MacLagan and Ryrie expressed admiration of the work done by 7th and 9th Batteries.'

The following day, 8 August, the diary details: '7th Battery doing good work against Turks in the open.' And on the 9 August: 'Before lunch 7th Battery had over 600 shells landed into it smashing down gun emplacement. One man killed, Lieutenant Ross wounded. The work of the battery during the last 36 hours has been splendid. Enemy attacked Lone Pine this morning very vigorously. Estimate 7th Battery accounted for 500 Turks. ... 7th Battery emplacement rebuilt during night.'

For his command and leadership with 7 Battery, Lieutenant Ross was awarded the Military Cross. His citation reads 'For conspicuous gallantry in the attack on Lone Pine on 6th and 7th August, 1915, when he kept his gun in action for 48 hours, although continuously attacked at close range by superior fire. His gun emplacement was several times almost completely demolished, and he himself was finally wounded. Lieutenant Ross rendered very valuable assistance to the infantry in the attack through his determination to keep his gun in action at all costs.'

Ross was evacuated on 10 August and did not return to Gallipoli until 24 October. He was re-evacuated on 13 December with jaundice. In addition to the award of his Military Cross, he was mentioned in despatches of 13 June 'for acts of conspicuous gallantry or act of valuable service during the period 14 May to 28 June 1915'.

Ross was promoted to Captain on 12 March 1916 and transferred to the newly-formed 11 Field Artillery Brigade's (11 FAB) 41 Battery. After attending the Artillery Training School, Ross was promoted to Major on 21 January 1917 and was again mentioned in despatches on 15 May 1917. He was wounded on 11 September 1917 at Ouderdom near Ypres - three other members of 41 Battery were killed in the same action. After recovery, Ross returned to 11 FAB at the end of November and assumed temporary command of the unit on 20 December 1917, at Flamicourt during the absence of the unit's commander; a role he undertook on two other occasions (March and June 1918). He was wounded for the third time on the morning of 11 August 1918 at Chipilly and was evacuated to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, where he met and married Violet Courlander, on 9 October. He returned to Australia aboard the 'Warwickshire' on 5 April 1919 and his appointment was terminated on 15 June.