Enlisted at the age of 30
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandTransfer to England
Steamship RuapehuMarched in to the Company Training Camp, Falmouth
Stationed at Falmouth
The Company joined the underground warfare in the North of France
Marched in to NZ Depot, Hornchurch
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined the Company
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
British Offensive
Battle of ArrasThe Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveThe Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford, after leave
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship Kia OraEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Cooper“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.