Enlisted at the age of 26
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandPromoted Corporal
Transfer 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
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 ArrasThe 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
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Regimental Number changed to 5/900A
Granted leave
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
Admitted to hospital with sinusitis
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Detached to Segregation Camp, Etaples
Wounded by enemy aircraft but remained in Segregation Camp
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Detached to 3rd NZ Entrenching Battalion
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveThe Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Admitted to hospital with asthma
Rejoined the Company
Discharged
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship HororataEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Gerald Tuearsley Samson“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.