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:
Sunday April 15, 1917: Church parade this morning and got checked up for not shaving, after the service went for a short route march. Passed the afternoon in writing and playing cards/ not much like Sunday here but we do the best we can. Wrote letter no 5 to the little wifie. Feeling fine.
