Enlisted at the age of 27
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandPromoted 2nd Corporal
Transfer to England
Steamship RuapehuMarched in to the Company Training Camp, Falmouth
Stationed at Falmouth
The Company joined the underground warfare in the North of France
Marched in to NZ Depot, Hornchurch
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
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
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 gunshot wounds to the hand and right knee
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Appointed temporary Corporal
Promoted Corporal
Promoted Sergeant
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Severely admonished for being out of billets without a pass and absence from tattoo roll call
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with disorderly action of the heart
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveEmbarked for England
Admitted to hospital
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Granted leave
Classified unfit for active service
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship OxfordshireGranted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Sinclair“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
