James Thomas was born in Pontcysyllte in 1895, the son of William Thomas, a coal miner of Woodlands, Pontcysyllte, and Elizabeth Thomas (nee Evans). He joined the army as a private 7613, and served in D Company 1st/4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

An enlargement taken from the memorial

photograph of Great War soldiers,

taken by local photographer Lettsome.