Thomas was the third son of Emma and Elijah. Born in Melton on 15th September 1894, he was baptised in St Andrew’s Church on 20th November that year. In 1911, Thomas was living at home with his family and working as a domestic gardener’s help.

He enlisted in the Royal Marines in London on the 25th January 1915 and was put on active service shortly afterwards with the rank of Sapper. Thomas was posted to join the Royal Naval Division Divisional Engineers and sent to the Dardanelles. His time with the Royal Marines was short though, as his service records show that on 13th January 1916 he was discharged as an invalid.

For his war service, Thomas received the 1914-15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals and the Silver War Badge.

In 1931, Thomas married Margaret Birt and eight years later the family was living in Station Road, Woodbridge, and Thomas was working as a house painter. Thomas died on 8th March 1942.