I can't readily suggest any specific records, except to say that if you wish to show that the two are the same, then you have to find records to reflect this. In other words, you have to find records that place Thomas in the same place as Benjamin, before, during and after the war. You have to find a record or records that identify the compound name, not just one or the other. Without this type of evidence, it would be very difficult to say that they were the same person.

I understand your frustration, but you know sometimes the right records falls right in front of you on the very day that you've felt like giving up! So keep looking, something will hopefully turn up.