Robert Lyon Mackenzie Ross
Robert Lyon Mackenzie Ross (c1899-1935)
1935 Obituary [1]
ROBERT LYON MACKENZIE Ross was for several years engaged on the design and construction of electric power transmission schemes for Messrs. Balfour, Beatty and Company, Ltd. He was appointed assistant engineer on the construction of overhead transmission lines and substations in the Midlands area in 1924, and was transferred in 1926 to the company's head office for the design of power lines on voltages varying from 660 to 33,000. More recently he was concerned with the design of oil-engined power stations for Africa, Palestine, and Iraq, and with the testing of the selected prime movers.
Mr. Ross was born in Howrah, Calcutta, but received his general and technical education in Dundee. In 1914 he was apprenticed to Messrs. F. S. Sandeman and Sons, and served in their Manhattan Works, Dundee, until 1917, when he joined the Royal Flying Corps and was sent to France as a service pilot. Later he was transferred to England as technical officer and in 1919 retired with the rank of flight lieutenant.
He then entered St. Andrew's University, Dundee, where he took the regular course in mechanical engineering, and graduated in 1922. In the same year he became assistant engineer to Mr. W. Tawse on engineering works on Viscount Cowdray's estates at Dunecht, Aberdeenshire, but left a year later to become assistant to Mr. R. Gibson, civil engineer and architect, of Dundee. He carried out tests on steam turbine installations and hydro-electric power plants, and was so engaged until his appointment with Messrs. Balfour, Beatty and Company.
Mr. Ross was elected a Graduate of the Institution in 1924 and was transferred to Associate Membership in 1926. He was also an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
His death occurred on 31st January 1935, at the early age of 36.