Born in Geelong West, Victoria and a Labourer by Occupation, Thomas William Cowley was 25 years and single when enlisted on the 17th of August 1914 in the 8th Battalion, Headquarters, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 18. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 'Benalla' on the 19th of October 1914. Transferred to Convalescent Camp Abassia from Mena on the 16th of April 1915 and re-joined from Base, Gallipoli on the 16th of May 1915 and had Gunshot wound thigh, Gallipoli and gunshot wound right thigh, Malta on the 29th of May 1915. Admitted sick to Hospital on the 25th of September 1915 at ANZAC; debility and transferred to Causality Clearing Station, ANZAC Mudros on the 5th of September 1915 and Enteric transferred to Australia. Embarked for return to Australia post Typhoid change for 3 months per 'Soudan' ex Suez on the 12th of May 1919. Disembarked on the 29th of June 1919 and Discharged on the 28th of August 1919. Tree No. 3183