John Campbell Ross

John Campbell Ross (11 March 1899 – 3 June 2009), at the time of his death, was Australia's oldest living person and the last surviving Australian enlisted soldier from the World War I period. As a civilian, Ross worked for Victorian Railways until he retired in 1964.

Early life and family Born in Maryborough, Victoria, Ross served as a wireless operator in the Australian Imperial Force, enlisting in January 1918, but never left Australia or saw active service. He later went on to serve in World War II as a corporal with the 20th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps.

His wife, Irene (née Laird), predeceased him by several decades. He was survived by a son, Robert, a daughter, Peggy Ashburn, four grandchildren - Jeanette, Heather, Kay, and John – and nine great-grandchildren.

Death Ross died in his sleep at approximately 4:00 a.m. at the Golden Oaks Nursing Home in Bendigo on 3 June 2009, aged 110 years and 84 days.