Thomas Duckworth was born in Carlisle in Cumberland on 12 May 1903, the son of Arthur John Henry and Ethel Martha Duckworth (née Parker). He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Artificer on 9 January 1919. On completion of his five-year apprenticeship, he joined submarines.

Thomas Duckworth then served in submarines as an Engine Room Artificer Fifth Class to Engine Room Artificer Third Class from 25 August 1923 to 23 December 1929. He served in HMS K6 (15 November 1924 to 6 May 1925), HMS L33 (28 December 1925 to 4 January 1926), HMS L4 (8 March 1926 to 31 July 1928), HMS L1 (1 August 1928 to 23 August 1928).

Thomas Duckworth then joined HMS H43 on 2 November 1928. He was the holder of a Royal Humane Society ‘Testimonial in Vellum’ for saving a number of people from drowning.

Thomas Duckworth died on Monday 23rd December 1929 following a road accident near Carlisle. His next of Kin was listed as his mother.