Enlisted at the age of 35
5th ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted Lance Corporal
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Transfer to England
HMNZT 84 Turakina
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Reverted to Sapper and forfeited 2 days pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Awarded 7 days confinement to barracks and 1 day pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined 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
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Admitted to hospital with influenza
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Marched in to NZ Depot, Hornchurch
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Marched in to NZ Expeditionary Force, London
Demobilization
End of Service in the United KingdomAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Alfred Arthur Ford“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
