Thomas Anderson Kidd was born on 17 May 1879 in Victoria and at the time of enlistment he was working as a farmer and living in Geraldton, Western Australia. Kidd had previously served with Australian forces in the Boer War, as a trooper in the Border Horse Regiment. On 28 October 1914, Kidd joined the 10th Light Horse Regiment with the rank of second lieutenant. By February 1915, Kidd had received a promotion to lieutenant, and in the same month departed Australia for Egypt aboard HMAT Mashobra.

After arriving at Gallipoli in May, Kidd served with distinction, being commended for his actions in leading a party that would capture, but unsuccessfully hold enemy trenches at Quinn's Post on 30 May 1915. He was also heavily involved in the fighting during August, particularly the charge at The Nek and the assault on Hill 60. During the later event, he witnessed the actions of Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell, and as a result recommended him for the Victoria Cross. Kidd himself was Mentioned-In-Despatches on 26 August 1916 for his "conspicuous bravery" and continual encouragement of his troops.

In January 1916, Kidd was admitted to the First Australian General Hospital in Heliopolis with debility. Once he recovered, Kidd returned to active duty at Serapeum where the 10th Light Horse Regiment was defending the Suez Canal from the advancing Ottoman Army. In August 1916, he contracted cholera and was evacuated to Romani on 13 September 1916. After continuing to suffer from neuritis, stomach inflammation, and gastro enteritis Thomas Kidd returned to Australia as a major to continue his services in home duties.