F/L Thomas was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1917.
In July 1936 he joined the RAF on a short service commission.
On 19th September he was posted to 6 TFS at Netheravon.

In 1940 Eric was a flying instructor stationed at Cranwell.
In early July he was a Flying Officer with 222 Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey.
On 19th August moved to Fowlmere to join 19 Squadron, but on 24th went to Wittering for a short stay with 266 Squadron.
Eric returned to 222 Squadron on 15th September, when he shared in the destruction of a Do-17 during a sortie the same day.
During October, he claimed three Bf 109s detroyed; one on 9th, one on 25th, and another on 19th.

On 4th April 1941, he destroyed a Ju 88.
In June he moved to Rochford, taking command of 611 Squadron. In early November he left the squadron to take command of 133 Squadron at Eglinton.

Eric was awarded the DFC on 25th November 1941.
On 1st December he was promoted to Squadron Leader.

On 5th June 1942, he claimed a probable FW 190.
In early August Eric was appointed Wing Leader at Biggin Hill and led the Wing over Dieppe on 19th.
On 31st August he was posted to lead the Hornchurch Wing.

On 18th September 1942 he was awarded a Bar to the DFC.

On 27th November he was posted away from Hornchurch and awarded the DSO.

He left the RAF in late 1944, as a Wing Commander.

Eric Thomas passed away in 1972.