Image: Thomas’s POW record, courtesy of International Committee of the Red Cross
Regimental Number: 18251
Rank: Private
Branch: 3rd Battalion
Thomas was born in Leytonstone, England on January 11, 1888. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at SE 12-74-5-W6. When war broke out in 1914, Thomas was among the first men to enlist in the Canadian Army – he signed up at Valcartier on September 23, 1914. Thomas was captured by the Germans in May of 1915 at Ypres, only one month after arriving in France. He had mild influenza in June and November of 1918. Thomas also suffered from kidney problems and nervousness when he was repatriated in 1919, “no doubt due to prolonged confinement and rough handling.” He returned to the South Peace after the war, and filed on SW 24-70-9-W6 in 1920. Thomas died in Victoria, British Columbia on November 3, 1961, leaving behind his widow, Sarah.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War
- Canadian Great War Project
- POW Records
- POW Records
- Veterans Death Card
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.