Thomas was a member of the Darwen Corps of the St. John Ambulance Brigade who offered their services for the front. He enlisted on 8th August 1914, then proceeded to Aldershot. [Information courtesy of Tony Foster] He was 20 years and 2 months old, and was a Weaver by trade. He entered the war in France on 22nd August 1914. He appears to have been attached to the 14th Field Ambulance, however, on 18th October 1914, he was posted to serve with No 6 General Hospital by No 3 Base Depot. On 12th June 1917 he was appointed acting Corporal. On 18th April 1918 he was posted to serve with the Indian Detention Hospital, his rank reverting back to Private. However the next day he was appointed acting Corporal again, without pay. On 22nd May 1918 he joined the Cyclists Base Depot at Rouen and reverted back to the rank of Private. He was posted to serve with the 7th Field Ambulance on 4th June, and remained with them until he proceeded to England for demobilization. He was posted to the Reserve - Class Z on 23rd March 1919. Thomas was the son of Charles and Mary Jane Richards of 6 Powell Street, Darwen.