Posted at the age of 28
1st ReinforcementsTrained
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
Admitted to hospital with measles
Admitted to hospital from NZ Base Depot, Etaples
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Rejoined the Company from NZ Base Depot, Etaples
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
Arrested by Military Police, Boulogne
Appeared before a Field General Court Martial for desertion
Sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial. Commuted to 5 years penal servitude and suspended
Rejoined the Company
XVIIth Corps refused to put suspended sentence into effect
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the left leg
Awaited trial for self-inflicted wounds
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Classified unfit for active service, trial and punishment
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveReleased from arrest
Marched in to Base Depot, Etaples
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Expeditionary Force Headquarters, London
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Forfeited 14 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave and admitted to hospital with a leg injury
Transfer to New Zealand
Hospital Ship MahenoEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Edward Robert Crawford“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
