James Donnelly (spelled Donally on National Registry) Ross was born in Glenpork, VIC and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted from Ballarat in the 23rd Battalion, 7th Reinforcement on 27 July 1915 at the age of 22. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915. In February 1916, while in Egypt, he joined the 58th Battalion and in June he moved to France. In December he was withdrawn to the Guildford War Hospital in England suffering from Trench Feet. While in England he was transferred to the 65th Battalion but in October1917 he returned to the 58th Battalion in France and safely negotiated the final year of the war. He returned home on the Wyreema, reaching Melbourne on May 31st 1919.
Tree No. 2620