Tom was born and lived in Normanton on Trent, near Newark working as a horse dealer. He joined the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry when he was 17 years old. A brilliant horseman and could ride anything equine being prominent in regimental sports. He was well known and highly respected by those within the regiment. At the outbreak of the First World War he held the rank of Sergeant in “A” squadron, saw active service from 1914 to 1918 in Palestine, Egypt, Salonika and the Dardanelles. He was awarded the D.C.M. and Medaille Militaire by the French. He finished his service as Squadron Sergeant Major.