James Southwood Thomas – Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 27th Battalion
Private James Southwood Thomas – Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 27 th Battalion Birth and Family Background James Southwood Thomas was born in 1878 in Swansea . He was the son of David Thomas and Martha Thomas . There appear to be no surviving official census records relating directly to James. His parents were known to be living at 18 Richard Street, Manselton, Swansea , which is believed to have been the family home during his early life. Emigration to Australia At an unknown date, James Southwood Thomas emigrated to Australia , joining many Welsh-born men who sought employment and new opportunities overseas in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Military Service Attestation Papers In July 1916 , James enlisted at Adelaide , joining the Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 27 th Battalion . His enlistment came during a period of rapid expansion of the Australian Imperial Force as casualties mounted on the Western Front. Australian Infantry, A.I.F., 27 th Ba...
