Posted at the age of 24
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer 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
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Embarked for France
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
Joined the Company
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Granted leave to Paris
Rejoined the Company
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
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with influenza
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveRejoined the Company
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship IonicEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John James Rooney“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
