Enlisted at the age of 31
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
Admitted to hospital
Rejoined the Company
Fined 5/- for drunkenness
Admitted to hospital with pyrexia
Rejoined 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
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
British Offensive
Battle of ArrasThe Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Admitted to hospital with scabies
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Rejoined the Company
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital
Diagnosed with bronchitis
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Admitted to hospital with bronchitis
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with pyrexia of unknown origin
Diagnosed with trench fever
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
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 on account of rheumatoid arthritis
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveAwarded 2 days confinement to barracks for absence without leave
Awarded 3 days confinement to barracks for absence without leave
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship RemueraFined 1/- for drunkenness
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Benjamin Herbert Poole“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.