Enlisted at the age of 31
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandForfeited 2 days pay for absence without leave
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
Gassed
Admitted to hospital
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Awarded 4 days confinement to barracks and forfeited 2 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
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 Depot, Hornchurch
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
British Offensive
Battle of ArrasThe Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Appointed Cook
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Awarded 14 days confinement to barracks and forfeited 2 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Relinquished appointment of Cook
Embarked for France
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
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveThe Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Forfeited 3 days pay for being out of bounds without leave
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
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 James Leitch“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.