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From the mining and timber work forces on the West Coast, came a large number of men willing to serve. Some had lost their jobs as markets changed, but others were keen to do their bit for King and Country. Among these was 18 year old Thomas Donoghue who was working at Queenstown as a hairdresser. He was another original member of the 40th Battalion and was allotted to the Machine Gun Section.
From 20—31 July the 40th Battalion were in the line north of Messines, having relieved the 38th Battalion. During this time working parties were sent out burying cable and digging and improving support and communication trenches. On 28 July Corporal Donoghue sustained a gunshot wound to his back and was evacuated to England. He re-joined his unit on Boxing Day 1917. Late August 1918 saw the Battalion on the Somme in the area near Curlu now a popular camping spot. On 1 September Thomas Donoghue was wounded for a second time sustaining a shrapnel wound to his right leg requiring evacuation to England once more. He returned to Australia in May 1919 and was discharged on May 1921.
It would appear that Thomas moved to Victoria on his return, working as a clerk. The census records would suggest that he did not marry.