Ross Kopke was born in Ballarat and became a Labourer. At the age 20 and single, he decided to enlist in the great war on 21 August 1914 at Melbourne Victoria. The ship he was to sail on embarked from from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A3 Orvieto on 21 October 1914. Once disembarked and on duty he received a GSW to the right leg 2/7/15. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 1/9/15. He was admitted to hospital for Influenza on 31/12/15 and rejoined his unit on 22/3/16. He was wounded in France on 25/7/16. He rejoined the 5th Battalion from hosp in France on 27/8/16 and on the 28th next day was promoted to Sergeant. He returned to Australia 15 February 1918. Tree No. 178