Enlisted at the age of 40
1st ReinforcementsTrained
Avondale, AucklandTransfer 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
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
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 Base Depot, Etaples
Awarded 14 days Field Punishment No.2 for being out of bounds and being in a private house against the wish of the inhabitants
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Rejoined the Company
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Promoted Lance Corporal
Appointed temporary 2nd Corporal
Promoted 2nd Corporal
Gassed
Admitted to hospital
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Admitted to hospital with chronic inflammation of lungs
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveClassified unfit for active service
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship UlimaroaCessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Turnbull“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
