Thomas was born in Buninyong, VIC in 1872. He was a labourer in the Cohuna district of Victoria⁽³⁾ when he enlisted, at either Bendigo or Kerang, in the AIF, on the 27^th of July 1915, aged 43½. Thomas was initially alloted to the 8^th Battalion but later transferred to the 11^th Reinforcements, 7^th Battalion, before he embarked aboard the HMAT A71 Nestor in October.

He joined his unit in Egypt in late January 1916 before embarking from Alexandria, Egypt in March and disembarking at Marseilles, France five days later. In June Thomas was detached for duty with the 2^nd Brigade Headquarters. Little more is known until January 1918 when he was appointed Driver. Thomas ceased his detachment in June and was admitted to the 3^rd Australian Field Ambulance - rheumatism - then to the 15^th Casualty Clearing Station - osteo arthritis - and finally to the 83^rd General Hospital, Boulogne, France - rheumatism. Later that month he was admitted to No. 1 Convalescent Depot for a week before he was discharged to Base Details in early July. Shortly afterwards Thomas was AWL for over 12 hours and forfeited five days pay. In mid July he returned to England before embarking for home aboard the SS Medic in August, returning to Australia in October and was discharged from the AIF in February 1919.

Thomas died in Echuca, VIC in 1921, aged 49.

He is listed on the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour.

Notes

1. Private and Driver are equivalent ranks. Driver denotes a function.
2. He was in the 7^th Battalion which was part of the 1^st Division.
3. He had previously lived in Bacchus Marsh and his next of kin - brother Harry - still lived there.
   - The Bacchus Marsh Express 22 Dec 1900
   - The Bacchus Marsh Express 27 Mar 1909