Enlisted at the age of 36
Main BodyTrained
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
Awarded 7 days Field Punishment No.1 and forfeited 7 days pay by Royal Warrant for misconduct
Admitted to hospital with measles
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Rejoined the Company
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with bronchitis
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Forfeited 1 day pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The 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 Depot, Christchurch
Awarded 16 days detention and forfeited 16 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Classified unfit for active service on account of chronic bronchitis
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship TahitiEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of James Douglas Smith“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, 2025 (2009), Accessed: 16 December 2025. URL: www.
