Enlisted at the age of 37
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
Granted leave
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
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Admitted to hospital with fractured ribs
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Marched in to NZ Depot, Hornchurch
German 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
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Admitted to hospital with haemoptysis
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveClassified unfit for active service on account of overage and chronic bronchitis
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship AyrshireAdmitted to hospital at sea
Returned to duty
Fined 2/4 for clothing issues
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Alfred James“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
