Private Thomas Thrall was born in approximately 1876 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. He was the husband of Alice Thrall of 13, Harcourt Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Together they had 5 children named Thomas William, Mabel, Elizabeth Annie, Edith and Agnes Lilian. 

He enlisted into the Regiment in 1895 at the age of 19 years and had the early number of 5129. 

Thomas served with 2nd Battalion during the Tirah Campaign of 1897-98. He went on to serve with the 17th Mounted Infantry during the Boer War of 1899-1902. 

He was not permitted to travel with the 1st Battalion to Hong Kong and transferred to the 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers on the 1st September 1902. 

On the outbreak of the First World War, he re-enlisted into the 3rd Battalion Sherwood Foresters on the 11th January 1915 and was employed as a miner at Mansfield Colliery at the time.  

He trained at Plymouth and at Sunderland and it was from the latter that he went on leave two weeks prior to his death.