Enlisted at the age of 22
1st ReinforcementsTrained
Avondale, AucklandPromoted Lance Corporal
Transfer 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
Appointed temporary 2nd Corporal
Promoted 2nd Corporal
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Promoted Corporal
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Admitted to hospital
Diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Classified unfit for active service
Granted sick leave
Readmitted to hospital
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship Mokoia
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Richard Norris“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
