Private Raymond Duval, MM, was a soldier of the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) CEF who served overseas during the last two years of the First World War. He participated in some of the fiercest fighting seen by Canadians during the war and was decorated for bravery at Passchendaele. Determined to preserve his memories of the First World War, he maintained a daily record of his experiences. Here is what he wrote precisely 100 years ago today:
Saturday April 21, 1917: Fine day, company drill in forenoon, no parades in afternoon. Canadian mail in again but none for me yet. Wonder if I will get some soon hope I do. Almost had the blues today it seems such a long time since I left my little girl. Would like to get some from home too. Guess I won’t write tonight, not in the mood.
