Thomas resided in Bolton. He entered the war in France on 11th August 1915. On 4th December 1917 he proceeded to 3rd Infantry Brigade Signals for temporary duty. He rejoined the unit on 19th December 1917 on discharge from the 1st Div Rest Station. On 2nd July 1919 he proceeded to No 1 Concentration Camp, Cologne for dispersal and was struck off the strength of the unit.