Thomas was born in early 1894 in Runcorn. He was the eldest child of William John and Lucy (nee Rigby) Littler. William was born c1865 in Ince and Lucy c1869 in Runcorn. They had married in Runcorn in mid 1892.
Thomas’ younger brothers, Joseph born c1895 and Harry born c1898, were also born in Runcorn and his sister, Helen born on 5 July 1900. Sadly, their mother died later that year in Runcorn.
William remarried in early 1904. His second wife, Martha Ann Barber, was born in Aston by Budworth c1869.
Two years later, the family was living at Norton Wharf, Preston Brook, where William was working as a stationary engineman for a canal company, possibly as a crane operator. In 1911, Thomas was also working for a canal company, but as an apprentice blacksmith.
Thomas joined the RASC (service number M279495). The absent voters’ list of 1918 gives his address as Oaklands Cottages. His company was disbanded on 7 March 1919 and Thomas returned to civilian life.