Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp in Auckland, New Zealand 10 November 1915 and disembarked at Suez 15 March 1916. Embarked for France 9th of April 1916.
Transferred from the NZ Pioneer Battalion 14 January 1918, sailed for Egypt 10 January 1918 and joined the Rarotongan Company 15 February 1918. Returned to New Zealand on SS Malta and was discharged in New Zealand 24 March 1919.

Sergeant APA was a single man who was never married and had no children.

Awarded the Military Medal, "For conspicuous good work and devotion to duty in Ypres Sector during the period of 1/7th October 1917. This NCO has had charge of working parties on Wieltjie - Gravenstafel road and by his coolness and bravery under fire set a splendid example to other Rarotongan natives in his platoon. He has always done any work allotted to him well and is a most reliable NCO."

Sergeant APA also enlisted in the New Zealand Army during WW11 as a member of Camp Patrol at Trentham Camp until he was discharged on 1 September 1948.

The letters “M.M.” (as a recipient of the Military Medal) along with details of his WWII service are missing on his military headstone plaque.

Medals and Awards:
WWI: British War Medal, Victory Medal,
The Military Medal (MM): Nov 1917 awarded for acts of Gallantry in the Field
WWII 1939-1945: War Medal, NZ War Service Medal
WWII Rank: S/Sergeant (W.O.2)

# Update May 2025 # A new military headstone has now been ordered by our team reflecting the correct service details of S/Sgt John Tuaine APA M.M. An unveiling ceremony will be held on a day and time to be advised.