Enlisted at the age of 38
Main BodyTrained
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
Granted leave
Rejoined 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
Forfeited 1 day pay for absence from billets
Promoted Lance Corporal
Gassed
Admitted to hospital
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Rejoined the Company
Appointed temporary 2nd Corporal
Promoted 2nd Corporal
Promoted Corporal
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Promoted Sergeant
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
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
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship RemueraEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of James Forbes“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.