Arthur George Thomas

 Private Arthur George Thomas – Royal Army Service Corps

Early Life

Arthur George Thomas was born in 1890 in Oystermouth, the son of William Thomas and Elizabeth (née Davies), who were married in 1883.

1891 Census

The 1891 Census records the family living at 4 Castleton Street, Oystermouth. William (31) was employed as a Haulier, and his wife Elizabeth (31) managed the home. Their children were Edwin J. (5), William B. (3), and Arthur G. (1).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Mase Pool, Oystermouth. William (41) was then a Coal Merchant Haulier, and Elizabeth (41) cared for their growing household. Their children were Edwin J. (15), a General Labourer; William B. (13); Arthur G. (11); Thomas J. (7); Albert S. (5); Nora L. (2); and Joseph W. (7 months).

1911 Census

The 1911 Census shows another move, this time to 3 Windsor Place, Oystermouth. William (52) was working as a Dock Labourer, and Elizabeth (52) remained at home. Their children were William Burt (24), a Labourer; Arthur George (22), an Engine Driver; Thomas John (18), a Mason’s Apprentice; Albert Stanley (16), a Butcher’s Errand Boy; and the younger children Naomi Leonor (13), Joseph Walter (11), and Mary Annett (9). A boarder, Monty Richards (14), also lived with the family.

Military Service

With the outbreak of the First World War, Arthur George Thomas enlisted and served as a Private in the Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.).

The R.A.S.C. played a crucial role in the British Army’s operations, responsible for the transport and supply of essential goods — including food, ammunition, fuel, and equipment — to troops at the front and in support zones. Their work often took them along exposed supply routes and into forward areas, where they faced great danger from artillery and aerial attacks.

Arthur’s civilian occupation as an Engine Driver made him particularly valuable within the Corps. His experience with engines and mechanical transport was vital in the increasingly mechanised warfare of the early 20th century, when the R.A.S.C. maintained the lifeline of the British Expeditionary Force.

The Royal Army Service Corps in the Great War

The Royal Army Service Corps became one of the largest and most indispensable branches of the Army during the First World War. At its peak, it numbered over 300,000 men, operating convoys, horse transport, mechanical workshops, and field bakeries. Their motto, “We Sustain,” reflected their mission: to keep the Army supplied and moving under all conditions.

After the war, the Corps continued its essential work during post-war reconstruction and peacetime duties. In 1965, it was reorganised and merged into the Royal Corps of Transport, continuing its proud legacy of service and logistical excellence.

Death

Private Arthur George Thomas died on 25^th February 1921, aged 30. While the exact cause of death is not recorded, it is likely that his health had been affected by the strains of wartime service — a fate shared by many returning soldiers in the years following the Great War.

Burial

Arthur George Thomas
Oystermouth Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Following his death, Arthur was laid to rest at Oystermouth Cemetery, close to his family home and community.

Legacy

Arthur George Thomas represents the many men whose service sustained the fighting strength of the British Army from behind the front lines. His work in the Royal Army Service Corps exemplified discipline, endurance, and quiet courage — qualities that were as essential to victory as those of the men in the trenches.

His grave at Oystermouth Cemetery stands as a lasting testament to his service and to the vital, though often overlooked, contribution of the R.A.S.C. soldiers who ensured that the Army never lacked the means to fight, move, and survive.