Thomas was formally manager of the Upperlands Weaving Factory and was a member of the West Belfast Regiment (U.V.F.). His wife and family resided at 8 Main Street, Whiteabbey, Belfast. He entered the war in France on 5th October 1915. He was awarded the Military Cross "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. An ammunition train having caught fire, he and four other men uncoupled and pushed out of danger eight trucks of ammunition. This gallant work was performed amidst a hail of shells and fragments, owing to the ammunition in the ninth truck exploding. At any moment the contents of the remaining truck might have done like-wise. He displayed splendid fearlessness and promptitude in dealing with a very dangerous and critical situation." *Three of the “four other men” were 40997 Corporal J E Greenwood, 54552 Private J H Feely, and 41001 Serjeant R Hall. All receiving the Military Medal for their bravery. (*Information kindly provided by Nigel Henderson) Thomas died at Moyle Hospital, Larne, Ireland. He was the husband of Elizabeth Martin, married on 28th July 1893. (Information and dates of birth, death and marriage courtesy of Nicholas Dunmore)