John David Thomas was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Telephonist when he enlisted with the 8th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement on 13 October 1916 at the age of 21. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 23 November 1916. He proceeded overseas to France via Durringham on 5 September 1917 and was assigned to the 23rd Battalion. He later transferred to the Australian Signalling Corps, and on 15 June 1919 boarded the Port Darwin for a return trip back home to Australia. According to his records he completed his tour of service without major incident, illness or injury.
Tree No. 1067