Meet Ross Manuel, a proud supporter, podcaster, and passionate military historian who honours Australia’s service community by preserving their stories and carrying their legacy forward.
Service, Woven In
While Ross has never served in uniform, his life is deeply rooted in Defence connections. Born and raised in Penrith in Western Sydney and now living in Canberra, Ross is currently studying a Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice, complementing a lifelong passion for military history.
“While I’ve never worn the uniform myself, I come from a family with strong Defence ties,” Ross explains.
His great-great uncles, William and Augustus Pooley, served in the First World War, and both his great-grandfather Henry James Ryan and step-great-grandfather James Stevens served in the Second. His brother is a Royal Australian Air Force veteran, and he married into a proud Army family, his parents-in-law and sister-in-law all served.
“Although I’m not a veteran, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to honour the service of those in my life – and, more broadly, of all who’ve served.”
That responsibility became a driving force, evolving into a mission to preserve the stories of those who have served through storytelling, education, and advocacy.
From TikTok to Podcast: Honouring Service Through Storytelling
Ross’s passion for military history began in childhood.
“So early, in fact, that my high school history teacher would regularly remind me not every answer needed a full operational breakdown,” he says.
It was never just about battles or medals – Ross was drawn to the people behind the uniforms.
“I was drawn to the personal stories, the human side of service.”
Like many during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ross found himself scrolling TikTok, but he quickly noticed something missing – accuracy. He began correcting misconceptions in comment sections, eventually creating his own short-form videos to set the record straight.
His audience quickly grew and began requesting stories on Australians like Leslie “Bull” Allen and John “Barney” Hines. But Ross soon realised that 60 seconds wasn’t enough to do these stories justice, and so, I Was Only Doing My Job: An Australian Military History Podcast was born.
“Rather than offering a dry retelling of campaigns and battles, I wanted to explore Australia’s military history through the life, service, and legacy of individual service personnel.”
The podcast’s title was inspired by a recurring theme Ross found in his research, a simple phrase repeated by many veterans when asked about their service: “I was only doing my job.”
“That understated humility captures the spirit of service I aim to preserve.”
A Voice for Veterans
Ross’s connection to Soldier On grew through the community around his podcast – affectionately called the Armoured Emu Brigade.
“Many members have directly benefited from Soldier On’s services, advocacy, and support networks”, he says.
Ross has proudly shared their stories and experiences on the podcast, using his platform to promote Soldier On’s work and encourage support for its programs. In 2024, he also took on the March On Challenge, walking 312 kilometres to support veterans and their families, a monumental effort equivalent to more than three laps of the Kokoda Track.
“That experience deepened my appreciation for the everyday challenges many veterans face, and the importance of having an organisation like Soldier On in their corner.”
He believes Soldier On fills a vital gap, particularly in helping veterans navigate the often complex transition from service to civilian life.
“Your programs offer connection, purpose, and practical support. For someone like me, who feels connected to Defence through family, community, and storytelling, it’s a privilege to support an organisation that does so much for those who’ve served.”
Thank You, Ross
At Soldier On, we know that service takes many forms – and Ross’s work is a powerful example. Through storytelling, education, and genuine advocacy, Ross is ensuring that the legacies of those who’ve served are remembered, respected, and passed on.
Thank you, Ross, for walking alongside us in our mission to help veterans and their families thrive.
Keen to tune in to Ross’s podcast? You can find I Was Only Doing My Job on all major streaming platforms: https://podfollow.com/i-was-only-doing-my-job-australias-military-history/view
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