Enlisted at the age of 21
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiMarched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Awarded 1 day confinement to barracks for absence from roll call
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined the Company
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
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
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
Awarded 14 days Field Punishment No.1 for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he used obscene language
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveAdmitted to hospital with scabies
Rejoined the Company
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship HororataEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of John Joseph Ryan“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.