Enlisted at the age of 35
2nd ReinforcementsTrained
Narrow Neck, AucklandTransfer to England
HMNZT 56 MaunganuiMarched in to NZ Sling Camp, Bulford
Promoted Lance Corporal
Joined the Company
Embarked for France
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Appointed temporary Corporal
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
Relinquished appointment of temporary Corporal
Promoted 2nd Corporal
Appointed Acting Corporal
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Promoted Corporal
Promoted Sergeant
Granted leave
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Marched in to NZ Base Depot, Etaples
Rejoined the Company
Detached to Musketry School
Rejoined the Company
Nominated for temporary Imperial Commission
Embarked for England
Marched in to Royal Engineers Officers Cadet Battalion, Newark
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days Offensive
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Promoted 2nd Lieutenant
Embarked for France
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
Discharged
Embarked for England
Marched in to NZ Depot, Larkhill
Marched in to NZ Depot, Codford
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship IonicEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Richard Bruce Townley“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
