Thomas enlisted on 10th September 1914, and was embodied into the 1st Wessex Divisional Field Ambulance. He was 18 years and 1 month old and was a Boot Shop Assistant by trade. He embarked at Southampton on 5th November 1914, then disembarking the next day at Havre, entered the war in France on 6th November 1914. He joined No 8 Stationary Hospital for duty on 5th December 1914, and served there until 2nd March 1915, when he was transferred to serve with the 24th (1/1st Wessex Field Ambulance. On 15th May 1915, Thomas got wet whilst supporting in a battle, and by the 24th was admitted into No 13 General Hospital in Boulogne. He boarded the Hospital Ship “Valdivia” on the 26th, and was invalided to England and admitted to Graylingwell War Hospital, Chichester, suffering from pneumonia and pleurisy. He remained there until 16th June. On the 29th February 1916, he was transferred to serve with the 2/1st Wessex Casualty Clearing Station - his service number changed to 171. In April 1916, however, he showed signs of having pneumonia phthisis, which was believed to have been developing since May 1915, and a Medical Board, held on 30th May 1916, recommended him for discharge as permanently unfit for any military service, and attributed his disability to “Active service caused by infection and exposure.” He was discharged under para, 392 (xvi) K.R. on 15th June 1916. He died at Torquay from consumption. Thomas was the son of Thomas Henry and Sarah Ann Duddridge of 4 Arthur Buildings, Paul Street, Exeter.