Enlisted at the age of 34
Main BodyTrained
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
Appointed Cook
Granted leave
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Rejoined the Company
Relinquished appointment of Cook
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
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
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 Lance Corporal
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveAdmitted to hospital
Diagnosed with neurasthenia
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Classified unfit for active service
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship TofuaEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Walter“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
