Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Ross-of-Bladensburg KCB, KCVO
Ross was born in 1848. His grandfather, Major-General Robert Ross, distinguished himself in the Peninsular War, and in 1814 was given command of an Expeditionary Force against the United States. On 24th August, he attacked and completely defeated a superior American force at Bladensburg. He then marched on Washington, which he captured by surprise. A year later he was killed in the same campaign. Thereafter his family was granted the addition "of Bladensburg" to the family name as a reward for Ross's loyalty, ability, and valour. Sir John was educated at Radley, then went to Woolwich and joined the Royal Artillery in 1868, transferring to the Coldstream Guards in 1873. He passed the Staff College in 1878. He had a varied career thereafter; he left the Army in 1895 and then served as Chief Commissioner of Police in Dublin until 1914 when the war broke out.RCC7635 The Coldstream Guards 1914 - 1918 Volume 1 (Ross-of-Bladensburg)
RCC7636 The Coldstream Guards 1914 - 1918. Volume 2 (Ross-of-Bladensburg)
RCC7637 The Coldstream Guards 1914 - 1918. Volume 3 (Maps) (Ross-of-Bladensburg)