Thomas enlisted into the RAMC on 17th September 1914, he was 24 years and 5 days old and a tram conductor by trade. He joined at Aldershot on the 19th and was posted to the 35th Field Ambulance, he then started his training. On 6th July 1915, Thomas left with his unit to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. He entered the war in Egypt on the 17th but developed a cough [during the night and first thing in the morning] and complained of shortness of breath, palpitation and rapid heart beat on exertion so was sent back to the UK on the 4th October. On the 3rd May 1917, he was transferred to Class P reserves and was issued a Silver War Badge. Thomas was discharged from the Army ‘No longer physically fit for war service’. [Information sources: Campaign and SWB medal rolls and pension record]