Enlisted at the age of 32
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiMarched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined 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
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
Wounded in action
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the right thigh
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Appointed Acting Corporal
Embarked for France
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
Relinquished appointment of Acting Corporal
Appointed Cook
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
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Relinquished appointment of Cook
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship Port MelbourneEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Thomson Russell“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
