Ross, John Munro

John Munro Ross was born on Lot 9, Concession 5 of West Zorra Township, a son of David Robert and Annie (Munro) Ross, but he was raised in Embro, after the family moved to 70 John St.  He attended Embro Public School and Woodstock Collegiate and had begun courses at the University of Toronto when the South African War broke out.  He served with "B" Company of the Royal Canadian Regiment (1899-1900) and assisted in the capture of General Cronje.  He was wounded and awarded the Queen's Medal and two clasps.  On return to Canada he gained a degree at McGill University and managed the Woodstock Mill, part of his father's business, and joined the local militia.  He was active in the Oxford Rifles, 22nd Battalion and became a member of the militia with the 9th Grey Horse.  In 1903 he married Annie Jean Duncan.  They had a son, John David, and a daughter, Kathleen.  In 1913  the family moved to Vancouver and John Munro Ross entered the insurance business.  When war erupted in 1914 he enlisted on November 13, 1914 and served with the 29th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force  He fought in Flanders and commanded the Canadian 5th Brigade at Vimy Ridge.  He was mentioned in despatches, promoted to lieutenant-colonel with Distinguished Service Order in January 1917, and to brigadier-general in command of Canadian 10th Brigade in July 1917.  He was awarded the Saint Michael and Saint George Insignia in 1919.  After the war General Ross was posted as General Officer Commanding, Military District No. 12, based in Regina.  In 1932 he took over command in London, Ontario until January 1936.  His wife Annie died in 1937 and in 1939 he married Mary Gertrude Meredith of London, Ontario.  She died in 1948.  John Munro Ross died on January 28, 1959 when he was 81 years old.  He and his wife Annie are buried in North Embro Ceme­tery.