Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas was the eldest of four children of Thomas (Tom) Graham (b1877 in Melbourne, Victoria) and Ina Gardiner (b1884 in Brisbane, QLD). Tom (an Engine Driver) and Ina married in Coolgardie WA in 1902. The family travelled to Melbourne and back to WA on several occasions, and settled in Northam WA where Tom worked as an Engine Driver.

Thomas was an Accountant and worked in Singapore and Rangoon, Burma from 1926. He married Kathleen Florence Powell (b1907 in Grass Valley, Northam WA) in 1930 in Perth, WA and the couple moved to Rangoon, Burma. In September 1940 Thomas joined the Malayan Volunteer Airforce, operating mainly civilian aircraft (de Haviland, Tiger Moth, Leopard Moth and Rapides) and 'when not flying, the men of the MVAF, issued with a rifle and fifty rounds of ammunition, were required for aerodrome defence duties' (Malayan Volunteers Group). Returning to Australia, Kathleen settled in Perth, WA and Thomas enlisted in the RAAF in Melbourne, Victoria. He served as a Flight Lieutenant (Service No:117362) and was attached to 3 Operational Training Unit when he was Discharged on 4 October 1945. In 1943, Thomas was described by his Commanding Officer (National Archives Australia) 'This Officer is exceptionally keen and a very hard worker. He should do well as an Intelligence Officer in an Operational Unit. He is an excellent type .... A capable Intelligence Officer with excellent field experience especially with Catalinas'. Thomas served with Intelligence Section Misx (SWPA) from 18 October 1944 to 30 March 1945.

Thomas and Kathleen settled in Perth - Thomas died in 1983 and Kathleen in 2005.