Thomas Rose was born in Pingelly, Western Australia, on 10 April 1911. His father was a solicitor who had married Isabel Savage, the daughter of a Kentish hop grower. He was the eldest son. He was educated at the Katoemba High School, New South Wales, and he studied medicine at the Sydney University Medical School. He graduated in 1933 and did his house appointments at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney and, as he had an interest in gynaecology, at the Crown Street Women's Hospital. In his continued work at the Royal Alexander Hospital for Children and the Newcastle General Hospital, New South Wales he came under the influence of both Sir John McKelvy and Sir Douglas Miller. While taking his fellowships he was particularly influenced by Professor Aird of Edinburgh. For four years he served as a Major in the Australian Army Medical Corps. He was twice mentioned in despatches, 1946 and 1947. He was appointed as senior surgeon to the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney. He became the member for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons on their teaching committee and was a member of their Court of Examiners. He was senior clinical lecturer in surgery to the University of Sydney. In 1938 he married Joyce Deacon. They had two sons and one daughter. Thomas had little time for recreation outside his work but he had a passion for very fast motor boats and took part in many races. He died after a short illness in 1987 and was survived by his wife and children.