On 29 September 1916, Thomas arrived in England and was admitted to the Chatham Military Hospital for surgery on his wounds. On 3 October 1916 he was transferred to the Dunsdale Hospital at Westerham. His medical records reveal that the wound on his back had not healed and he required ‘formentation’. Ten days later he was discharged from the Dunsdale Hospital; ironically, the day his father received a telegram that informed him of his son's injuries.
Thomas was assigned to the No 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs. Between 31 October 1916 and 1 November 1916 Thomas was found to be ‘absent without leave'. His punishment was the forfeiture of two days pay and confinement to camp for seven days.
On 16 December 1916 Thomas was assigned lighter duties during his recovery period, which included working at the Military Post Office at Perham Downs.
On 16 December 1916 Thomas was assigned lighter duties during his recovery period, which included working at the Military Post Office at Perham Downs.
On the 28 April 1917 Thomas was transferred to the Windmill Hill Camp, located at Perham Downs. He had recovered from his wounds and was physically fit to return to the frontline. He was assigned to the newly formed 6th Division, which was disbanded a few months later.
After the disbandment of the 6th Division, Thomas applied to join the Australian Provost Corps (Military Police). The selection process was based on strict criteria (see advertisement below). On 29 September 1917 Thomas was ‘taken on strength’ into the Australian Provost Corps, where he remained until the end of the war.
After the disbandment of the 6th Division, Thomas applied to join the Australian Provost Corps (Military Police). The selection process was based on strict criteria (see advertisement below). On 29 September 1917 Thomas was ‘taken on strength’ into the Australian Provost Corps, where he remained until the end of the war.
