Enlisted at the age of 39
Main BodyTrained
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
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital
Rejoined the Company
Forfeited 1 day pay for being out of bounds
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
Admitted to hospital in England with bronchitis while on leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Forfeited 2 days pay under Royal Warrant for absence without leave
Granted leave
Classified unfit for active service on account of debility following bronchitis
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship TahitiGerman Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Granted leave
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Irvine“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
