Thomas Henry Tucker was born on 14 May, 1889, at Ilfracombe in Devonshire, England, the third of six known children to William Henry Tucker, a farmer, and Eliza Ann Tucker (formerly Dyer). He was baptised on 6 July, 1889, at Ilfracombe. He had two brothers and three sisters: William Dyer (1885); Reginald John (1887); Minnie Jane (1892); Gladys May (1895); and Gertrude (1897). In 1891 the family was living at Chambercombe, near Ilfracombe, and ten years later were living at 22 Champermourne Terrace in Ilfracombe. The family then emigrated to New Zealand and lived at Eruera Street in Rotorua. Thomas Henry Tucker became a carpenter and butcher, and was unmarried. [His brother William Dyer served in the 2nd Reserve, and Reginald John served as a gunner in the New Zealand Field Artillery.]

Thomas Henry Tucker originally joined the 6th Hauraki Regiment, before enlisting on 25 July, 1916, at Trentham, as a private, number 32097, for the 13th Reinforcements of the 1st Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade. However, he joined the 19th Reinforcements and served in 'E' Company. He was aged 25 and described as being: 5' 6" tall; with dark hair; grey eyes; a dark complexion; weighing 151 lbs; and with a chest measurement of 32"/37".

He sailed from New Zealand on 15 November, 1916, disembarked in England on 29 January, 1917, and posted to the Wellington Regiment Training Battalion. He embarked for France on 1 March, 1917, and went to the Base Depot at Etaples the following day. On 2 June, 1917, he joined the 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, and served with the 9th Company. The battalion took part in the Battle of Messines which began on 7 June, 1917. Thomas Henry Tucker was killed in action on 26 July, 1917, at Ploegsteert. He was aged 28.

Thomas Henry Tucker lies buried in Mud Corner Cemetery, in Hainaut, Belgium, with his grave marked by a CWGC headstone. He is also commemorated on the Rotorua war memorial in New Zealand.

Thomas Henry Tucker's service earned him the British War Medal, 1914-20; and Victory Medal, 1914-19, which, together with a memorial plaque and memorial scroll to commemorate his sacrifice, were issued to his father.