Enlisted at the age of 39
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
Granted leave to France
Rejoined the Company
The Company began the operations to connect old underground quarries in Arras in order to accommodate thousands of soldiers for an upcoming battle
Wounded in action
Admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm
Embarked for England
Admitted to hospital
British Offensive
Battle of ArrasThe 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
Marched in to NZ Depot, Hornchurch
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Christchurch
Forfeited 6 day pay by Royal Warrant for overstaying leave
Appointed Cook
Classified unfit for active service on account of overage
The Company was still carrying out the digging of underground premises and defences on the Front near Arras
Admitted to hospital
Relinquished appointment of Cook
German Attacks
Spring OffensiveThe Company was engaged in the defence of Arras by digging new trenches and dug-outs under constant enemy shellfire
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Appointed Cook
Allied Attacks
Hundred Days OffensiveThe Company experienced its newly reconversion in bridge construction
Cessation of Hostilities
ArmisticeThe Company continued to build bridges to reconnect a fragmented territory
Relinquished appointment of Cook
Granted leave
Marched in to NZ Depot, Boscombe
Transfer to New Zealand
Troopship RuahineEnd of Service
DemobilizationAnthony Byledbal, “World War I Timeline of William David Tilsley“, New Zealand Tunnellers Website, NaN (2009), Accessed: . URL: www.