Enlisted at the age of 30
1st ReinforcementsTrained
Avondale, AucklandTransfer to England
Steamship RuapehuMarched in to the Company Training Camp, Falmouth
The Company joined the underground warfare in the North of France
Embarked for France
Joined the Company
Admitted to hospital
Rejoined 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 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
Granted leave
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Rejoined the Company
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Appointed temporary Sergeant
Relinquished appointment of temporary Sergeant
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveAppointed temporary Sergeant
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Detached to IVth Corps School
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with influenza
Relinquished appointment of temporary Sergeant
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Demobilization
End of Service in the United KingdomAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William James Comber“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
