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Thank you everyone for your replies.  Census records indicate that Thomas was born in Wolstanton.  The one which shows Astley as his birth place is inaccurate - I think.
However, as you point out, his mother was born in Astley and the family lived near Leigh in his early years, and later, so he might have been baptised there, if he was baptised at all.
LizzieL your PS mentions investigating PRs.  Is that Parish Records, and can you access them direct ie not going through Ancestry etc.? I've tried Ancestry, FamilySearch and FindmyPast and Lancashire Online Parish Clerk but found nothing.
Thanks again for helping.  It is much appreciated and interesting being able to share.
Melton

Thank you all for your helpful replies.  I've looked at British Army WW1 Medal Records 1914-1920 and it confirms that my grandad would have received just the three medals shown on his card.

I followed your advice heywood and have obtained the register images. Thanks again.
Mel

Thank you everyone.  I've now got the information available, which is a transcript of the baptism record, unfortunately without parents' names, but pretty sure it's the correct one.
mckha489 and heywood thanks for the link.  I looked at the Lancashire Archives site and confirmed that they don't have the original registers for 1855.
Much appreciated.
Mel

Thanks Rami,  I probably look at these old photos seeing what I remember, perhaps affecting my impressions of what is there.
I definitely appreciate what you have done.
Cheers
Mel