Enlisted at the age of 26
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer 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
Admitted to hospital at sea with laryngitis
Returned to duty
Admitted to hospital at sea with tonsillitis
Returned to duty
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Forfeited 1 day pay by Royal Warrant for absence without leave
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
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Admitted to hospital
Rejoined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Admitted to hospital with bronchitis
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital with bronchitis and pleurisy
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Rejoined the Company
Admitted to hospital with bronchitis
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveMarched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Classified unfit for service in the field
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Classified unfit for active service
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship AyrshireGranted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Robert Maxwell Robertson“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, 2025 (2009), Accessed: 8 November 2025. URL: www.
