Enlisted at the age of 26
1st ReinforcementsTrained
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
British Offensive
Battle of ArrasThe Company was employed to rebuild a major road leading to the Front during the battle
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the forehead and neck
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
The Company moved to Monchy, ten kilometres east of Arras, to work on the fortification of the new front line
Granted leave
Marched in to and employed at NZ Depot, Christchurch
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensivePromoted Lance Corporal
Appointed temporary 2nd Corporal
The Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Relinquished appointment of temporary 2nd Corporal while employed at NZ Depot, Boscombe
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship BritonEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Albert Edward Blackwell“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.