Enlisted at the age of 38
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
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Granted leave to France
Rejoined the Company
British Offensive
Battle of ArrasThe 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
Forfeited 1 day pay and 2 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Promoted Lance Corporal
Appointed Acting 2nd Corporal
Relinquished appointment of Acting 2nd Corporal
Promoted 2nd Corporal
Appointed temporary Corporal
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Promoted Corporal
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Appointed temporary Sergeant
Promoted Sergeant
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveThe Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
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
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Forfeited 2 days pay by Royal Warrant and reprimanded for absence without leave
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship IonicEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of James Entwistle Oliver“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.