Thomas a Benfold joined the Army 7 November 1939 and served with the Royal Berks Reg. before volunteering for the airborne forces. 

He was successfully parachute jump trained at RAF Ringway on Course 5 ADV.  This course ran between 3 and 7 February 1942. The course included 1 night time balloon jump and 2 from aircraft. 

Thomas then became a member of T Coy, possibly in their Mortar Pln. However his service with The 1st Para Bn was relatively short as he was posted back to 17th ITC R. Berkshire Regiment 19 October 1942.