Private Thomas Kevan was born at Bideford, Devon in October 1859 and enlisted into the Royal Marines Light Infantry at Exeter in December 1877. Posted to the Plymouth Division, his first seagoing appointment was aboard H.M.S. Curacoa between February 1880 and March 1883, followed by a similar appointment in the Thalia which led to his participation in the Gordon Relief Expedition of 1884-85. During this period he was employed ashore with the Royal Marine Camel Corps and was severely wounded at the Battle of Abu Klea (P.R.O. ADM 159/63 refers). As part of the 60 strong R.N. and 92 strong R.M. force under Captain Lord Charles Beresford, Kevan would have faced the main brunt of the Arab assault, the Marines winning approbation for standing their ground as if on parade, and pouring volley after volley into the advancing enemy. Then holder of two Good Conduct Badges, Kevan was discharged as a result of his wounds in June 1885.