5Ross Buchan AO (46-53)

Major General Ross Buchan’s passion for the military began during his time in Wesley College’s  Senior Cadet Unit. He would eventually become a high-ranking officer within the Australian military.

After graduating from Wesley College in 1953, Ross earnt a Royal Military College Duntroon cadetship in 1954. He graduated from the cadetship into artillery and was posted into a National Service battalion as a young platoon commander.

In 1959, Ross was sent on active service as a Lieutenant with 28th Commonwealth Brigade in the closing stages of the Malayan Emergency.

In 1966 he was promoted to Major and deployed to Vietnam, where he was Senior Australian Officer within I Corps, which covered the northern provinces of southern Vietnam. Ross was awarded a Vietnamese Medal of Honour for his efforts and by 1971 was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Further key appointments and promotions followed as Ross continued to rise through the ranks, being appointed to Commanding Officer of the 1st Field Regiment, the Australian Exchange Officer at Headquarters Training and even to Doctrine Command of the United States Army, where he built relationships with the Australian Army’s American counterparts.

By 1979, Ross was promoted to Colonel and appointed Commandant of the Recruit Training Battalion in southern New South Wales, where new army recruits received their initial training.

Later, he became the Director of Training Operations and Plans in Army Headquarters. This was followed by further promotion to Brigadier in 1983 as Director-General Service Personnel Policy.

His reputation as a dedicated, well-educated, and seasoned operator received respect and praise from those around him. Ross was both a relatable and effective leader, equally at home when talking to enlisted men, higher-ranking officials, or politicians.

In 1987 this experience and military maturity resulted in a promotion to Major General as the Head of Australian Army Training.

Ross was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1989 in recognition of service to the Australian Army.

In 1991, Ross retired from the army at age 56. However, wanting to serve the interests of fellow veterans, he became a member of the Veterans’ Review Board, which helps resolve the problems of veterans with pension and disability claims.

PICTURED Ross Buchan, c. 1973 while serving as Commanding Officer of 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Photo supplied by the Royal Australian Artillery.