Enlisted at the age of 23
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiAwarded 7 days extra fatigue, forfeited 1 day pay by Royal Warrant and fined 4/- for breaking ranks when on parade
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Joined the Company
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Admitted to hospital with an injury to the right hand
Diagnosed with fractured right ring finger
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Classified unfit for active service
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship Ruahine
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 Porteous“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
