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
Appointed Cook
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
Granted leave
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Relinquished appointment of Cook
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 to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveEmbarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship RemueraEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Michel McClair“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
