Harrogate Herald - 4th June 1915

Photo - Trooper Phil Thomas, Yorkshire Hussars, has been killed in action. He was well-known as a Northern Union player in Yorkshire, and played for Harrogate in the early part of last season.

Private Phil Thomas, of the Yorkshire Hussars, who is reported killed in action, only went out to the Front about six weeks ago. He was a well-known Northern Union footballer, and played with Harrogate in the 1913-14 season and last season, until he joined the Army towards the end of last year. He will be remembered as one of the finest centre three-quarters in the Northern Union six or seven years back. A Welshman from Tredegar, he joined the Oldham team in 1902, and two seasons later was acquired by Leeds at what was then a record transfer fee of £250. on and off he played with Leeds for four seasons, and took part in representative matches against Lancashire and the New Zealanders. He continued his football career with Hull Kingston Rovers, to whom he was transferred in the middle of the season 1908-9. he was very popular, and his death at the age of 36 will be much regretted. It was only in January last, soon after joining the Army, that he married a young lady employed at the West Park Hotel.