Enlisted at the age of 33
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 69 Tahiti
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Joined the Company
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Forfeited 4 days pay for being in town without gas respirator, not complying with an order and using obscene language
Admitted to hospital with neuritis
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Admitted to hospital with an elbow injury
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveClassified unfit for active service
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship AyrshireEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Alexander Bankier“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
