Angie,
Thomas was a regular soldier in the 2nd Bn. The Manchester Regiment.
The births of his childred correspond exactly to the Battalions stations , ie, Kamptee, Rangoon & Trimulgherry.
He may not have joined soon enough to see active service in WW1 but he certainly did in Iraq in 1920 when he was awarded the General Service Medal with clasp, "IRAQ". His service numbers were firstly 64242 then 3513072.
He may well have been attached to the 9th (TA) Bn. at Ashton after WW2 in a permanant staff post but I dont know. It is quite possible.
regards