on arrival in egypt, puttick was posted to the 1st battalion, new zealand rifle brigade. he commanded 'b' company of the battalion during the senussi campaign from january to february 1916, before being transferred to the 2nd infantry brigade of the newly formed new zealand division. he was promoted to major and appointed staff captain of the brigade, under the command of brigadier general william braithwaite. he went with the division to the western front in april and remained with the brigade during its settling in period in the armentieres sector of the front. in july, prior to the start of the somme offensive, he was transferred back to the rifle brigade, and appointed second-in-command of its 4th battalion.