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Archduke of Austria-Hungary was Assassinated
Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated by a Serban Nationalist, Gavrilo Princip. Princip wanted independence for Serbia, not control from a foreign power like Austria. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
One month after the death of the Archduke and his family, war was declared as thought to be the proper response to the assassination. -
The First Battle of Marne
As the German Army advanced towards Paris, French and British soldiers counterattack along the line of the River Marne. Germany is stopped and trench warfare is introduced. -
Allies land in Gallipoli, Turkey
Allies, including Australian and New Zealand troops, land in Gallipoli, Turkey. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania, a civilian boat, was torpedoed by a German U-Boat killing 128 US citizens. -
Registration
On the 6th of November, John Heslin´s name is listed in the ¨Wairarapa Daily¨ Newspaper and was to be proceeded to camp on the 16th of November. Learn more here.
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The Battle of Verdun
At the start of 1916, the opposing forces are fighting a frustrating war on the Western Front. This was one of the longest battles of WWI. This one battle lasted nine months.
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Suez, Egypt
A little over a year after the Ottoman attack on the Allied forces the ¨Willochra¨ arrived in Port Said. It was incredibly hot during this time. So hot that they started training between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Learn more here.
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The ANZAC´S arrive in France
The ANZACs are troops from the British Commonwealth countries of Australia and New Zealand. This happens to include John Heslin and other New Zealanders. -
The Battle of Somme
The Battle of the Somme is one of the largest and bloodiest conflicts of World War One. Nearly 20,000 British soldiers die on the first day. Tanks were first introduced in this battle.
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New Zealand´s Involvement
In mid-September 1916, New Zealand’s involvement began, in the Somme Offensive, participating in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. This was one of the smaller battles of Somme that John Heslin was involved in. During this battle he would´ve seen tanks for the first time. -
¨Sick & Wounded¨
Not much is known about Heslin´s service between December 1916 and February 1917. Except that on the 4th of January he was among the casualties published in Wellington’s Evening Post. -
From Germany to Mexico
British powers intercepted a message from Germany to Mexico insisting that they get involved. This was another event that caused the United States to get involved in the war. -
United States Joins the war
After many frustrating and potentially threatening events took place the United States, after deciding to remain neutral, later joins the war three years after. -
Russia Leaves the War
Due to the revolution and uprisings in Russia during this time, Russia leaves the war. Tsar Nicholas II resigns from the throne. -
14 Points
President Woodrow Wilson sets up his 14 points to achieve lasting peace in Europe. Some of these points included freedom of the seas, restoration of the territories, and what would later become the League of Nations. -
The Second Battle of Marne
This battle was the last major German offensive during World War I. For more information click the link below.
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Germany agrees to an Armistice
Germany signs the armistice at Compiegne, France. Fighting ends on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. -
Lily Toynton
John Heslin marries Lily Toynton on the Grantham base on the 18th of December that same year. He marches back in at Torquay in early January 1919, but by then the Armistice had been signed under the Treaty of Versailles and by the end of June it was all over. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles is signed and oficially ends fighting of WWI.
