Thomas had previously served in the 2 V.B. York & Lancs Regiment. He enlisted on 25th February 1915 and was embodied into the East Anglian Casualty Clearing Station, Territorial Force. He was 29 years and 10 months old. Thomas was appointed acting Lance Corporal on 6th April 1915. He embarked on the "Royal Edward" at Devonport on 30th July 1915, then arrived at Alexandria on the 11th August. He set sail to Gallipoli the next day. Thomas's body was never found and was believed to have drowned on the sinking of H.M.T. "Royal Edward" on passage from Alexandria to Gallipoli. He was the son of William and Thirza Pyott; and the husband of Elizabeth Pyott of 33 Winnifred Road, Wath-on-Dearne, Rotherham. [Portrait photograph from The Times - kindly provided by Kath Atkin]