Sir Thomas was born in 1807 and entered the army as ensign in 1824. He rose to Captain in 1829 and then to Major in 1834.
He served in the 1st Afghan War as a Major in the 41st Regiment, covering the retreat of Sir John England's force. He was made Lt-Colonel of the 41st on his return to England.
Apart from New Zealand, his governorships included St Helena, Tasmania and Bermuda (temporary).
Sir Thomas died in 1887.
Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack
Visit the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography for more information