Enlisted at the age of 44
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
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
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
Appointed temporary Corporal
Detached to Bridging School
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Rejoined the Company
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveAdmitted to hospital with influenza
Relinquished appointment of temporary Corporal
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Classified unfit for active service
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship MaunganuiEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Cecil John Best“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
