Some doubt about his birth The same man William Thomas is described as both his grandfather (implication of 1901) and his father (1911). I suspect, but cannot prove, that the mother was Lillian Collings/Cox who is the visitor in his father house in 1911. 1901 census has a Leslie L Collings, born Bristol, as the son of Lillie Collings age 24 in Plymouth.
1897 Mar 4. Born. Bedminster, Somerset.
1901 census His grandfather is in 10, Saltash Street, Plymouth
1911 census at 17 Carlisle Avenue, Plymouth, Devon
1913 Oct 27. Arrives in Oregon, USA. An Apprentice on a ship.
1914 Jun Left Holland an Apprentice on SS Westgate
1914 Nov 11. Leaves Walaroo on SS Westgate
1915 Feb 4, Arrives Port Townsend, Washington, USA on SS Westgate.
1918 War Medals . 3rd Officer on RFA. Serbol.
1920 Jan/Mar married in Hull to Winifred T Manley
1920 Mar 18. Sails as an AB on ship 140300, Tanker RFA ORANGELEAF
1921 Jun 8. Joined ADRIC with service no 2031. Posted to Q Coy
1922 Jan 14. Discharged on demobilisation of ADRIC
1954 Oct 1. Arrives in Hawaii. Nightwatchman on a ship. 32 years at sea.
1956 Dec. Died Thurrock, Essex aged 59