David Alexander Ross was born in Miners Rest, Victoria, was married to Mrs Mary Loretta Ross of 'Avondale', Miners Rest, Victoria and was a Farmer and engine driver when he enlisted in the 39th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement on 12 June 1916 at the age of 26. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 25 September 1916. He proceeded overseas from England to France on 7 February, 1917 and was almost immediately wounded in action (unspecified) on 23 February. The wound proved minimal and he remained on duty. He was again wounded in action on 15 June 1917, this time requiring hospitalisation. After being deemed fit for service and re-joining his unit it seems he was able to escape any further injury or serious illness, returning to Australia aboard the Borda from England in December 1919.

He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions 'At ARMENTIERES on the night 22nd/23rd February, 1917. Following upon a severe bombardment of our lines, an enemy raiding party came against his Battalion. One of the enemy called upon ROSS to surrender. Being unable to get to his own rifle, ROSS rushed the German and knocked him down - falling on top of him in a shell hole. A fierce struggle ensued, during which ROSS succeeded in disarming the enemy, and subsequently in bayoneting him with his own weapon.'
Tree No. 2440