Charles Thomas was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Labourer when he enlisted with the 22nd Battalion, 8th Reinforcement on 16 July 1915 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A19 Afric on 5 January 1916. He proceeded overseas to France with the 57th Battalion and on 11 September 1918 he was wounded in action with a severe gunshot wound to the face, resulting in his immediate evacuation to the UK. He returned to Australia on 15 January 1919.

Despite the severity of his wounds, Charles Thomas lived for an additional 70 years, passing away on 23 April 1988.
Tree No. 1649