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 June 16, 1917: Went on P.T. then had full pack route march and it was terribly hot nearly had to fall out on account of the heat must have been over 90. Have been lonesome for the last few days. No news from my Little Girl – God but I’m lonesome for her – no letters for most a month – when and where will this end at times it seems almost unendurable and the end is not in sight yet. We have a 20 mile walk ahead of us and if its as hot as now I know I can’t make it as my left foot is in bad shape.
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