Enlisted at the age of 36
1st ReinforcementsTrained
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
Wounded in action but remained with the Company
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Admitted to hospital with scabies
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
Rejoined the Company
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Embarked for England on duty
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship AthenicGranted leave without pay
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Thomas Pennell“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
