Enlisted at the age of 38
5th ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandAppointed temporary Lance Corporal
British Offensive
Battle of Arras
The Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Transfer to England
HMNZT 84 Turakina
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Reverted to Sapper
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Joined the Company
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Promoted Lance Corporal
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveGranted leave to the United Kingdom
Rejoined the Company
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Admitted to hospital with venereal disease
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Rejoined the Company
Cessation of Hostilities
Armistice
The Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Detached to the United Kingdom on tour of duty
Marched in to Convalescent Hospital, Hornchurch, for educational duty
Promoted Sergeant and appointed 4th Grade Instructor
Transferred
NZ Educational DepartmentAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Alexander Smith“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
