Enlisted at the age of 36
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted 2nd Corporal
Appointed temporary Sergeant
Transfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiMarched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Reverted to Sapper
Appointed temporary Corporal
Embarked for France
Marched in to 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
Joined the Company
Relinquished appointment of temporary Corporal
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
Admitted to hospital with feverish cold while on leave to the United Kingdom
Classified unfit for active service
Transfer to New Zealand
Hospital Ship Marama
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
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Frederick Hansen“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
