Enlisted at the age of 39
Main BodyTrained
Avondale, AucklandPromoted Corporal
Promoted Sergeant
Transfer 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
Reduced to Corporal for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Admonished for disobeying an order
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 appendicitis
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
Classified unfit for active service
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Torquay
Promoted Sergeant
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
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 OffensiveTransfer to New Zealand
Troopship RemueraEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of Martin Roberts“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.
