Thomas was born at Katamatite, VIC in 1894 to William Dodemaide and Ellen Stewart. Thomas had a brother, Frank - KIA - who is also remembered in the Avenue.

Thomas was a fitter, living in South Richmond, VIC when he enlisted in the AIF, 6^th Battalion, E Company, on the 17^th of August 1914, aged 21. He embarked aboard the HMAT A20 Hororata in October, disembarking in Egypt in December.

Thomas spent a few days in hospital with tonsillitis in March 1915 before landing at Gallipoli on the 25^th of April. He was to serve at Cape Helles, the Battles of Krithia and the Battle of Lone Pine before evacuating back to Egypt in December. He was hospitalised for three weeks in late January 1916 with mumps before disembarking at Marseilles, France at the the end of May.

In August 1917 Thomas was promoted to Lance Corporal. He had several periods of leave in Paris and UK before embarking for Australia aboard the Port Sydney in October 1918, returning to Australia in December and discharged from the AIF in late January 1919.

Thomas died at Hawthorn, VIC in 1954, aged 60.

He is listed on the Roll of Honour for Bacchus Marsh, held by the RSL at Bacchus Marsh.