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
Awarded 28 days Field Punishment No.1 for disobeying orders
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
Admitted to hospital with dental problems
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Awarded 28 days Field Punishment No.2 for drunkenness and being in possesion of spirits
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with dental problems
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Classified unfit for service in the field
Embarked for England
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 John Blackburn“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
