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 8, 1917: Got up at 6am had breakfast not much tho half rations open air service in the afternoon Got straw Paliasse (search the glossary here for a definition) and one more blanket. Met Sgt Windle[1] from Bolton and young Aimie from Quebec went to bed tired mailed letters to wife and Dad.
[1] Windle, (Sgt.) Samuel. Born 15 Dec 1889, Liverpool, England. Enlisted 6 January 1916.
