He was the great grandson of former member for Hastings and Manning, Joseph Andrews.
Toms has an extended Military career including: Citizens Military Forces/ Army Reserve 1952 - 1979, National service full time training in 1952, Commissioned as a Lieutenant, Parachutist Rifle Company Commander in 1955 and promoted to a Captain 1957.
Toms was attached to 5RAR on loan from 2RNSWR in Phuc Tuy Province Viet Nam.
CMF officers of the rank of Captain and above were offered short term posting to Vietnam to gain experience in this theatre of operations.
He along with three other soldiers was evacuated by helicopter to the Australian Military Hospital in Vung Tau.