Enlisted at the age of 42
1st ReinforcementsTrained
Avondale, AucklandTransfer to England
Steamship RuapehuMarched in to the Company Training Camp, Falmouth
Embarked for France
The Company joined the underground warfare in the North of France
Detached to Mine School
Forfeited 1 day pay for being out of bounds without leave
Granted leave
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Promoted Lance Corporal
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with dental problems
Rejoined the Company
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The 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
Promoted Corporal
Admitted to hospital with arterosclerosis
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Classified unfit for active service
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship ArawaGerman Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Joseph Wilson Barker“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
