Enlisted at the age of 36
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted Sergeant
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
Reverted to Sapper at own request
Admitted to hospital at sea with lumbago
Returned to duty
Awarded 10 days detention for breaking away from military escort
Admitted to hospital at sea with alcoholism
Returned to duty
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Admitted to hospital with sciatica
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Awarded 7 days detention and forfeited 7 days pay for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, and causing damage
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
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
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Forfeited 3 days pay and 3 days pay by Royal Warrant for breaking out of camp and absence without leave
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Awarded 10 days detention and 5 days pay by Royal Warrant for breaking out of camp and absence without leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Awarded 168 hours detention and 5 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Classified unfit for active service on account of chronic venereal diseases
Transfer to New Zealand
Hospital Ship Marama
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days Offensive
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John O'Keefe“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
