Trevor Ross' career with the Royal Australian Navy spanned a period of 38 years. Born in Hobart and matriculated from the Friends School, he gained a Batchelor of Science degree from the University of Tasmania. He completed a Batchelor of Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Melbourne with First Class Honors. He joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1912. He was discharged in November 1950 after a career of distinction which saw him gain the rank of Captain. He received an O.B.E. in 1937.