Enlisted at the age of 35
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
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Admitted to hospital in the United Kingdom
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
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days Offensive
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Admitted to hospital
Rejoined the Company
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Embarked for England
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship AjanaEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Ernest Avery“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
