Enlisted at the age of 39
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
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 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
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Admitted to hospital with herpes zoster
Diagnosed with shingles
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Rouen
Classified unfit for active service
Embarked for England
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveTransfer to New Zealand
Troopship IonicEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of George Hancock“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
