Enlisted at the age of 38
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandTransfer to England
Steamship RuapehuMarched in to the Company Training Camp, Falmouth
Embarked for France
Promoted Lance Corporal
The Company joined the underground warfare in the North of France
Admitted to hospital with dental carries
Rejoined the Company
Reverted to Sapper for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline
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
Awarded 20 days Field Punishment No.1 for failing to appear on parade at appointed time
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 concussion while on leave to the United Kingdom
Granted sick leave
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with anemia
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Rejoined the Company
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Admitted to hospital with pleurisy
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Classified unfit for service in the field
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Classified unfit for active service
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveTransfer to New Zealand
Troopship Ionic
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Granted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Donald McDonald“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
