Enlisted at the age of 39
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandPromoted 2nd Corporal
Transfer 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
Detached to Mine School
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
Detached to Assistant Provost Marshal, Boulogne
Rejoined the Company
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
Detached to Assistant Provost Marshal, Abbeville
Rejoined the Company
Promoted Corporal
Appointed Acting Sergeant
Relinquished appointment of Acting Sergeant
Promoted Sergeant
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Gassed
Admitted to hospital
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Classified unfit for service in the field
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days Offensive
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Classified unfit for active service
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship RimutakaAdmonished for neglecting of duty and failing to supply a picquet
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Thomas Edwards“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
