Enlisted at the age of 39
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiMarched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined 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
Promoted Lance Corporal
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Promoted 2nd Corporal
Admitted to hospital with furunculosis
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
Detached on command to Ist Army Controller of Mines
Rejoined the Company
Promoted Corporal
Admitted to hospital with pyrexia of unknown origin
Diagnosed with influenza
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveTransferred
3rd NZ Entrenching BattalionAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William McLachlan“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
