Thomas was educated at New College, Oxford, and Guy’s Hospital - entering in October 1909. He graduated B.A. in 1910 and passed the Final Conjoint in 1914. After this, Thomas held the appointment of Ophthalmic House Surgeon in the eye, ear, and throat department at Guy’s Hospital until January 1915, when he went out to Serbia as surgeon to the British Red Cross. He took a commission as Lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. (T.F.) - 1st London (City of London) Field Ambulance on 25th June 1915 and subsequently went to France. He was awarded the Military Cross: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and determination in rescuing several men who had been buried under heavy fire. On three previous occasions he has done very fine work.” He was later awarded the Bar to the Military Cross: “For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although twice wounded he refused to have his wounds attended to, and continued to dress the wounded under a continuous and heavy concentration of high-explosives and gas shells. Not only did he attend the wounded and gassed of his own unit, but rendered aid, under conditions of great difficulty, to wounded of neighbouring battalions, whose medical officers had become casualties. His complete disregard of personal danger and splendid devotion were a magnificent example to all.” At the time of his death Thomas was attached to the 1/20th Bn. London Regiment as their medical officer. He was reported as wounded and missing near Rocqunguy on 24th March 1918 while staying behind with a wounded man when the regiment retired. In March 1919, it was believed and reported that he must have been killed on that date. He was the step-son of Ursula Verelst Townsend and the only son of the late Thomas Sutton Townsend of Queen’s Gate, SW and of Clifton Manor, near Rugby.