Enlisted at the age of 24
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted Corporal
Transfer to England
HMNZT 69 Tahiti
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Reverted to temporary Corporal
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Joined the Company
Reverted to Sapper
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the right thigh
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Embarked for France
Appointed Acting Corporal
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Rejoined the Company
Reverted to Sapper
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Transferred
NZ Field ArtilleryAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Gilbert McWilliam“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
