LEST WE FORGET
Sergeant Theo Gilson ROSS
Service No: 420277
Born: Cremorne NSW, 3 April 1922
Enlisted in the RAAF: 11 October 1941
Unit: No. 57 Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Died: Aircraft Accident (No. 57 Operational Training Unit Spitfire aircraft N3196), Northumberland, 9 April 1943, Aged 21 Years
Buried: Stamfordham (St Mary) Churchyard, Northumberland
CWGC Additional Information: Son of Frederick Theo and Alice Ross, of Concord West, New South Wales, Australia
Roll of Honour: Sydney NSW
Remembered: Panel 129, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
On 9 April 1943, Spitfire N3196 took off to carry out a day training flight. During the flight the aircraft was engaged in a height climb and was last seen doing aerobatics. Eye witnesses were of the opinion that the Pilot executed aerobatics at no great altitude and finally stalled for reasons unknown. The aircraft crashed into the sea near Fairlie Farm, Shotley Bridge, one and a half miles west of Whittanstall, Northumberland, killing Sergeant Ross.
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veterans’ Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 166/36/46