Posted at the age of 27
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 69 TahitiThe 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, Boscombe
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
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
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined 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
Forfeited 1 day pay for absence from tattoo
Admitted to hospital with influenza
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveAdmitted to hospital with indigestion
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital with gastritis
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship IonicEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Thomas Joseph Ralph“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.