Thomas enlisted on 11th December 1915, he was 24 years and 4 months old, a Cotton Mule Spinner by trade, and living at 39 Charlotte Street, Burnley at the time. On enlistement, Thomas was sent to Army Reserve. He was mobilized on 3rd October 1916 and joined the R.A.M.C. at Aldershot two days later. From 2nd December 1916 to 16th February 1917, he served at Shoreham and then at Chichester until 4th February 1918. Thomas was then sent to serve on the hospital ship 'Glenart Castle'. He was the husband of Ellen Birch of 2 Pendle Bridge Row, Burnley.