Brother Thomas (From War Diaries of Bro Louis Gonzaga, Bro Vincent and WWII accounts of Bro Adolphus/Francis Tessier )
Brother Thomas was a Spanish national and a key figure in the early development of the mission's vocational education in Singapore. Pre-War Background and Arrival Before coming to Singapore, Brother Thomas had spent three years teaching in the Brothers' schools in Siam (Thailand ) . He was highly qualified, specializing in Mathematics and Science for upper secondary classes, and possessed extensive experience in electrical and mechanical machinery. He had also spent time at the Industrial School of Tindivanam in India. He arrived in Singapore in July 1939 and was assigned to St. Joseph’s Trade School in Bukit Timah. His arrival was considered providential because he could help Brother Robert, who struggled with the English language when dealing with local authorities. Leadership of the Trade School Administrative Roles: He was appointed Director of the Trade School at the end of 1940. He also took over the management of the Printing Section after the lay instructor's serv...