Jack Thomas (footballer, born 1890) facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John William Thomas | ||
| Date of birth | 30 September 1890 | ||
| Place of birth | Sacriston, England | ||
| Date of death | 1947 (aged 56–57) | ||
| Position(s) | Inside right | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| –1910 | Spennymoor United | ||
| 1910–1911 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 1 | (0) |
| 1911–1912 | Newcastle United | 1 | (0) |
| 1912–19?? | Spennymoor United | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
John William Thomas (born September 30, 1890 – died 1947) was an English professional footballer. He played as an "inside right" for teams like Newcastle United. His life was full of interesting experiences, both on the football field and during a major world event.
Contents
John Thomas: Miner and Soldier
John worked as a miner, a tough job that involved digging for coal deep underground. This was his main job outside of football.
Serving in World War I
When World War I started in August 1914, John joined the army. He became a lance corporal in the Durham Light Infantry. In 1915, he fought in a big battle called the Second Battle of Ypres.
Captured and Escaped
During the battle, John was captured by the enemy near Boetleer's Farm. He became a prisoner of war and was sent to Germany. There, he was held with French prisoners and even learned to speak French!
John was very brave. He managed to escape with four other French prisoners. They used a compass that had been secretly hidden in a cake sent to him from home. With the compass, they found their way to the Netherlands, which was a neutral country during the war.
A Special Mission
When John returned to Britain, he was questioned because some people thought he might be a German spy. But after they realized he was telling the truth, he was sent back to France for a special job. He worked in counter-espionage, which means he helped find and stop enemy spies. He pretended to be a French dock worker in cities like Le Havre and Dieppe. For his brave service, John received the Meritorious Service Medal.
Life After the War
After the war ended, John went back to his old job. He continued to work in a mine in Sacriston, the same town where he was born.
Football Career Highlights
John Thomas played for a few different football clubs. Before 1910, he played for Spennymoor United.
Playing for Brighton & Hove Albion
From 1910 to 1911, John played for Brighton & Hove Albion. He played in one match for them in the Southern League First Division.
Time at Newcastle United
Then, from 1911 to 1912, he joined Newcastle United. He played one game for this team in the Football League First Division. After 1912, he returned to play for Spennymoor United again.
