Enlisted at the age of 24
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted 2nd Corporal
Promoted Sergeant
Transfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiMarched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Reverted to Sapper
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 left knee
Rejoined the Company
Nominated for training at Royal Engineers Officers Cadet Battalion
Marched in to NZ Expeditionary Force Headquarters, London
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Marched in to Royal Engineers Officers Cadet Battalion, Newark
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Promoted 2nd Lieutenant
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveEmbarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Transferred
3rd NZ Entrenching BattalionAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Onslow Garth Thornton“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
