Thomas enlisted into the Medical Staff Corps on 23rd October 1894. He was 27 years and 4 months old, and was a Clerk by trade. He gained promotion to the rank of Corporal on 1st July 1901. On 23rd August 1914 he entered the war in France as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 1st Bn. East Lancashire Regiment. He was admitted into the hospital of the 8th Field Ambulance on 2nd September 1914, then discharged on the 8th. On 13th September 1914 he was doing duty at the Advanced Base at Le Mans. He became attached to No 2 General Hospital on 14th February 1915, serving there until the 26th February when he joined Base Details. On 10th March 1915 he was posted to serve with No 11 Stationary Hospital. He gained promotion to the rank of Serjeant on 21st February 1915. On 6th October 1916 he was transferred to Base Details in Rouen, then proceeded to England on the 8th. He was discharged from the Colours on 22nd November 1916. He was the husband of Amy Catherine Wallace (nee Warner).