Enlisted at the age of 27
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
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
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Classified unfit for service in the field on account of debility
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Classified unfit for active service
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship AthenicGranted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
Admitted as outpatient to hospital
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Thomas Reed“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.