Enlisted at the age of 40
3rd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandPromoted Lance 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
Admitted to hospital at sea with chancroid
Returned to duty
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Reverted to Sapper
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
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
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
Admitted to hospital with influenza
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
Granted leave to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
Discharged
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Larkhill
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Demobilization
End of Service in the United KingdomAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Russell“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
