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:
Tuesday March 27, 1917: Was on guard all night pretty tired Didn’t get any sleep going on duty at 9pm with signalers on bridge for 3hrs Counted 21 other ships in harbor, many neutrals Wrote Clare but I guess won’t be able to get it off. Feeling lonesome for the little wife hope she is alright. Heavy fog out and very cold –
