Enlisted at the age of 40
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandPromoted 2nd Corporal
Transfer 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 ArrasThe 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
Appointed temporary Corporal
Promoted Corporal
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Promoted Sergeant
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the left ankle
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveTransfer to New Zealand
Troopship IonicGranted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
Admitted as outpatient to hospital
Discharged from hospital
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Alfred Howard Newman“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.