Tulip Ross was born in Geelong, Victoria, was single and a Driver living in Ballarat when he enlisted in the Railway Unit, Section 2 on 23 December 1916 at the age of 30. Huis unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 19 February 1917. He was admitted to the 63rd Casualty Clearing Station suffering with pyrexia and was discharged back to duty the following week. He again was sent to hospital as sick in September 1919. By this time the war had essentially come to an end and he left England to Australia aboard the Ypiringa in November 1919, reaching Melbourne in January 1920.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for ægallant and courageous conduct during the operations in March 1918. Departing from Savy with his engine en route to Ham, he discovered for the first time, when at Quinconce, that he could not get through to destination, as the enemy were rapidly advancing, and that Ham had been captured. He then took part in the evacuation with a regiment, and, in addition to saving his own engine, on which he remained three days and nights without sleep, he hauled six gun waggons, two box trucks, and a truck containing two water tanks, to safety. He has at all times displayed entire disregard for danger, and has inspired those working with him.'
Tree No. 2843