Enlisted at the age of 20
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
Admitted to hospital with dental problems
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
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
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
Admitted to hospital with abscess
Diagnosed with boil
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Granted special leave
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveEnd of Service
DemobilizationDetached to Royal Engineers School, Rouen
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Rejoined the Company
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
Marched in to NZ Depot, Larkhill
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship BritonAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of James Leslie Parsons“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.