Enlisted at the age of 32
4th ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 76 AparimaBritish Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Admitted to hospital
Diagnosed with synovitis of the right knee
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Classified unfit for service in the field
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship UlimaroaGranted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
Granted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John McNeill“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
