Joining Qantas in early 1960s meant a move back to Sydney. In the QF Engineering Branch he became Senior Powerplant Engineer and also served a period as Qantas Technical Representative at the Boeing Plant in Seattle in the era of early 747 deliveries.

Following engineering studies at Sydney University, and to secure his first engagement in aeronautics, Ross, and his new wife Robin, sailed in 1958 on the Strathnaver to the UK. His arrival document at Tilbury stated Length of Stay: Indefinite and Address: c/o Rolls Royce, Derby!

Ross joined the Society in 1958 and so began a fully involved association with the Sydney Branch and the Australian Division. Ross was totally dedicated to ensuring that the Australian membership was given every support through the Branches and Division. To this end he served on the Sydney Branch Committee until 2020 and Division Council until 2019. For more than 30 of his 60+ years a member, Ross served as Hon Secretary of the Division Council.

Society Members paid tribute to Ross:

‘Back in the day’ Qantas had a remarkable array of engineering expertise. Ross, with his engine expertise, was part of that capability. A couple of hours with Ross was better than any consultation with DCA/Dept Transport, Air Transport Group/CAA/CASA, his door was always open to pilots trying to fill in (often large) gaps in their knowledge of big turbine engines.

Ross was personally responsible for working out the ‘what and why’ of some rather intractable problems with both P&W and RR engines in years gone by, and I, personally, very much valued his counsel. Another sad passing.

(Captain) W J R (Bill) Hamilton MAIAA FRAeS

I was greatly saddened to learn today of Ross’ passing. He was a giant of the RAeS in Australia for as long as I can remember, making significant contributions in so many areas. And a really nice man. I have fond memories of him.

Mike Cuming, Sydney Branch Chairman 1979 and Sydney Branch Secretary 1987-1988

I have a lot of good memories of Ross. I worked for and met Sir Robert Hardingham at the ARB in the 60s/70s and was delighted when Ross was awarded the Sword by the Society.

John Hinton FRAeS

It was with sadness that I received your email this morning. I knew and worked with Ross over many years on Council matters – in particular the setting up and production of the Division newsletter. He was a sincere and dedicated person in all aspects of the Division and branches. His regular residential periods in London provided direct contact with the Society on behalf of the Division at a time when the Society was not particularly internationally focused.

Neville Smith FRAeS

Ross did not ever seek personal recognition, so it was a wonderful occasion when, at the Wilbur and Orville Wright Lecture in December 2006, the Society presented Ross with the ‘Sir Robert Hardingham Presidential Sword’* in recognition of Outstanding Voluntary Service to the Society.

Having personally observed and benefited from Ross’ tireless efforts during my time as Chairman of Sydney Branch and then President of Division Council, I can say it has been an honour and a privilege to have known Ross as a colleague and a friend. An absolute gentleman.

Ross is survived by his widow Robin.

Capt Ian Watkins
FRAeS
Past President 2001 Australian Division RAeS

*The Hardingham Sword was originally donated to the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers and Technologists (SLAET) by Graviner Limited to commemorate a long association between the two organisations.

Following the merger of SLAET with the Royal Aeronautical Society in July 1987, the Sword – which was the SLAET President’s Award – was incorporated, in 1988, into the Awards of the merged Society as ‘The Presidential Sword’.

It was agreed that the discretionary nature of the Award ‘For outstanding service to the Society’ would rest with the President in consultation with the Chairman of the Medals and Awards Committee.

It was further agreed that the award of a statuette for permanent retention by the recipient of the Sword would be more appropriately replaced by a miniature of the Sword itself, usable as a paper knife. In May 1992 the Council, following a discussion with former Council members of SLAET, agreed to the renaming of the Sword to commemorate the life and work of Sir Robert Hardingham (1903-1991), a past president of SLAET. SLAET only awarded the Sword three times prior to the amalgamation with the Royal Aeronautical Society.

It is now awarded annually.