The Millicent district is mourning the passing of its last known local veteran of World War II.

Wartime sailor Ross Redden died on October 6 at the age of 97 and his funeral is being held in Mount Gambier today (Tuesday).

His name is among the hundreds on the honour board in the foyer of the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre.

According to published records, Mr Redden enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 17 in 1943.

Christened “Edward Ross”, he was discharged almost 4.5 years later with the rank of Able Seaman.

A portrait of Mr Redden in his sailor’s uniform was taken at the Arthur Photographic Studio in Mount Gambier and is now in the collection of the State Library of South Australia.

Mr Redden was born into a pioneering family of Rendelsham to Lucy Jane (nee Robinson) and Sam Redden.

He had 12 siblings, five of whom also enlisted during World War II.

After the war, he married Beryl Boase in 1951 and their wedding party comprised Merle Stevens (nee Skeer), Miriam Pelling (nee Bellinger), Bob Redden and Pat Boase.

Beryl pre-deceased Ross and they are survived by their four children, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Mr Redden spent the last period of his life at Boneham Aged Care Services at Millicent.

This is where Millicent’s three other known World War II veterans now reside after they spent their earlier lives in other places.

All four were present at the 2023 Anzac Day service at the aged care home conducted by the Baptist Church.