Born in Batley, Yorkshire in 1889, Thomas was living at 33, Barden Lane, Burnley, Lancs at the time of his enlistment.

A pre-war territorial, he was mobilised on 5 August 1914 and set sail at Southampton for Egypt on 10 September. After disembarking at Alexandria on 25 September 1914 he took part in the defence of the Suez Canal zone before moving to Gallipoli in May 1915.

Struck down with illness at Gallipoli, Thomas was evacuated from the peninsular and eventually back to the UK where he died on 28 January 1916.

He is buried in Wheatley Lane Inghamite Chapelyard in Fence near Burnley.

28 January 1916

 Research by David O'Mara