Offered is a set of medals & badges to two members of the Ross family, representing service in the Australian army during both world wars

British War and Victory Medals, impressed named 16917 L – CPL. A.A. ROSS. 2-F.S.E. A.I.F. Swing mounted for wear.; WW2 Defence Medal (1939 -45) and Australian Service Medal 1939 -45, impressed named NX 144731, swing mounted. Comes with copy WW1 service records and WW2 certificate, original WW2 dog tags NX144731 ROSS. C.W, artillery sergeant’s sleeve badge and AIF lapel badge (1 lug missing).

Lance Corporal Alexander Arthur Ross was born in 1878 at Newcastle, N.S.W. He was working as a ‘surveyor of mines’ and was currently serving with the Light Horse (10 years’ service), he was given special permission to enlist, which he did on the 6/11/1916 as part of the Engineer reinforcements.

He embarked at Melbourne 10/5/1917 and disembarked Suez 20/6/1917. After a short period of training he was posted to the 2^nd Field Squadron Engineers 28/9/1917.

The 2nd Field Squadron (Imperial Field Squadron) was formed at Ferry Post in Egypt to provide Engineer support to the Australian Mounted Division in Egypt from early 1917. It consisted of four Troops (two Australian and two Imperial) and a Squadron Headquarters.  While they carried out normal engineering constructive and destructive works, much of their time was spent cleaning out bores, and ensuring suitable water was available for the units that they supported.

He was hospitalised with malaria on the 2/11/1918 and embarked for Australia 26/7/1919, discharging 15/10/1919.

Sergeant Colin Walter Ross was born on the 7/7/1917 at Mosman, N.S.W. He enlisted into the Australian Army 29/12/1942 at Mosman. His wartime service was within Australia and he discharged with the rank of Sergeant 24/5/1945, serving with the 360^th Battery.