Witness to War: Saturday May 12, 1917

Witness to War: Saturday May 12, 1917

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 May 12, 1917: Inspection by O.C. and compliments for being cleanest Co [company] he ever inspected some more hot air guess will write some tonight to Clare and the others Allan Gamell[1] came in to see us tonight and spent a few hours with us. Geo Cape also just came in Shot score 20 at min[imum] range.

[1] Gammel, (Lieut.) Allan McKenzie. Born 30 December 1893, Montreal, PQ. Enlisted 11 March 1915, Montreal.

 

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The RMR Foundation thanks Natalie Dyck for generously sharing her publication of “The Diary and Memoir of Private Raymond Duval” in order for us to be able to share his story with you 100 years on. You can learn more about Private Duval here.

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