Thomas Bowkett was the son of Jane Bowkett, of Ashford, Kent, he enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals and volunteered for airborne forces.

Sergeant Bowkett, successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 110, from 3 to 14 April 1944. Thomas' surname is recorded as 'Beckett' on this report and the last digit of his service number is missing.  

The course report lists Thomas as being a member of 6th Airborne Divisional Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. His instructor noted this about his performance on the course: "Medium performer. Confident worker".  In March 1945, took part in operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing).

Sgt Bowkett was killed in action on 25 March 1945, aged 30, and was given a field burial at Kappellen and was re-interred to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery on 19 November 1946.