Thomas James Albert Luke was born in Ballarat and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted in the 29th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement on 15 March 1916 at the age of 35. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 4 July 1916.

On April 24th 1918, near Villers-Bretonneux, he was wounded in action suffering shell wounds to his left leg and right foot. He was evacuated to hospital in England where he was assessed as unfit for further active service. He returned to Australia on the Arawa, disembarking at Melbourne on November 17th 1918, just six days after the signing of the Armistice. He was discharged soon after as æmedically unfit – loss of use of right leg due to gunshot wound to the foot'. He returned to Australia on 15 September 1918.

His brother, William Henry Luke (Tree No. 2803), also served.
Tree No. 2246