Thomas was employed as a miner at Tudhoe Colliery. and lived at 24 Bessemer Terrace, Mount Pleasant, Low Spennymoor. He joined HMF in February 1915 and was sent to the Dardanelles in July, entering the war in the Balkans on the 7th August 1915. After the evacuation of the Gallipoli peninsular he saw active service with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. Thomas was awarded the Military Medal for an action dated 20th July 1917. At Spennymoor Town Hall on Thursday 13th March 1919 a presentation of medals and gifts to Spennymoor heroes took place. The presentation, made by Mr Wm Fleming, was preceded by music from the Sons of Temperance Prize Band, and songs. There was 18 recipients, those of the RAMC included Cpl S. Bott RAMC Military Medal, Pte T. Phoenix RAMC Military Medal and Sgt G. Galley RAMC Certificate of Merit. The gifts appeared to be gold guard and gold necklett. [Information researched and kindly provided by John & Jim Grainger]