May 1916 Austin was moved to France and his mining skills would be tested to the limits on the battlefields over the next few months.

13-15 November 1916....The battle of Ancre....1 RMLI....127 KILLED
2 RMLI....205 KILLED

17-21 February 1917....The battle of Miraumont....1 RMLI Advance with heavy loss
2 RMLI Relieve 1 RMLI 32 KILLED