Enlisted at the age of 28
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
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 gastric ulcer
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Regimental Number changed to 5/891A
German Attacks
Spring Offensive
The Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Classified unfit for active service
Transfer to New Zealand
Hospital Ship MahenoGranted sick leave
Reported to local Defence Office
End of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Alexander Harvey Mennie“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
