The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (417001) Flying Officer Alan Barton Ross, No. 100 Squadron, RAAF, Second World War.

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Troy Clayton, the story for this day was on (417001) Flying Officer Alan Barton Ross, No. 100 Squadron, RAAF, Second World War.

417001 Flying Officer Alan Barton Ross, No. 100 Squadron, RAAF
Lost on operations 25 February 1943

Story delivered 25 February 2018

Today we remember and pay tribute to Flying Officer Alan Barton Ross.

Alan Ross was born on 23 June 1919 in Adelaide, South Australia, to Scottish immigrant William Ross and his Australian-born wife Lynda. Alan had a younger sister, Denise, of whom he was quite protective, and the pair grew up in the Adelaide suburb of Fullarton.

He was educated at Prince Alfred College, where he was a keen sportsman, excelling in yachting and lacrosse. Outside school, he was a talented golfer and a member of the Glenelg Club, often sharing a round with his father.

Following his schooling, Ross went on to work as an insurance clerk at the Adelaide branch of the Queensland Insurance Company. He also served with the Militia, attaining the rank of corporal in the 10th Battalion.
On 8 November 1941, at the age of 22, Ross joined the Citizen Air Force, the reserve component of the Royal Australian Air Force. After initial training and earning his air gunner’s badge, he secured a commission with the RAAF before going on to more advanced training.

During pre-embarkation leave in late December 1942, Ross spent a final Christmas with his family before being posted to No. 100 Squadron, then based in Milne Bay in New Guinea.

On the morning of 25 February 1943, Flying Officer Ross was one of a crew of four on a Bristol Beaufort carrying out a reconnaissance flight. Just after midday the aircraft sent a message advising its estimated time of arrival and asking for a weather report. No further contact was made. A thorough search of the area was conducted, but the remains of the aircraft and its crew were never been found.

Alan Ross was 23 years old.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my left, among almost 40,000 Australians who died while serving in the Second World War.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Flying Officer Alan Barton Ross, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Duncan Beard
Editor, Military History Section