Enlisted at the age of 35
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
Detached to Mine School
Rejoined the Company
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
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Buried
Brockenhurst Saint Nicholas Churchyard, BrockenhurstGrave reference
A. 1. 2Anthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William Ainslie“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, 2026 (2009), Accessed: 16 January 2026. URL: www.
