Enlisted at the age of 21
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 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
Wounded in action but remained with the Company
Regimental Number changed to 5/899A
Detached to 4th NZ Mobile Veterinary Section
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
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Forfeited 7 days pay for drunkenness in Central Station, Glasgow
Rejoined the Company
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days Offensive
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Discharged
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship HororataEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Ambrose Ridings“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
