Born Thomas George Thomas in January 1909, George was the fourth child of Emma Jane Tilbury and Zachariah Thomas (m. 1900).

Emma Jane and Zachariah began married life in Tonypandy (which explains why George took the name Tonypandy when he was created a Viscount); both were just 19 years old. In 1908, with a rapidly growing family - three children and another on the way - they moved to Port Talbot.

However, life was not easy. Fortunately Emma had inherited her mother's talent for needlework and, besides making all the children's clothes, she earned some money doing oddments of sewing.

In 1909 both George and Ivor were born. They were often mistaken for twins with George always claiming to be the "terrible twin". When Emma put them down for the night it was always George who refused to go to sleep and Ivor who slept immediately.

When War started in 1914, Zachariah volunteered and before being sent overseas he was billeted for several months with a family in Kent. Difficulties ensued and communication broke down. Struggling to bring up five children, Emma had to send the two older girls into "service" while she fought to redress the situation.

George was devoted to his mother; as soon as he was able he took care of her. She had helped him become established as an MP and was immensely proud of him.

Emma Jane married her second husband, Tom Davis, in 1925.