Enlisted at the age of 31
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted temporary Company Sergeant Major
Transfer 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
Reverted to temporary Sergeant
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
In confinement waiting trial for assaulting a French soldier, breaking into a French café and causing wilful damage of a total value of 70 francs
Sentenced to 2 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour and to pay 35 francs being half total value of the damage
Reverted to Sapper
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Admitted to No.5 Military Prison, Les Attaques, to undergo a sentence of 6 months Imprisonment with Hard
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Released from prison
Joined the Company
Promoted Lance Corporal
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Promoted 2nd Corporal
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Transferred
NZ Field ArtilleryAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Wyllie Lauchlan“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
