Witness to War: Sunday July 1, 1917

Witness to War: Sunday July 1, 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:

Sunday July 1, 1917: Went out on wkg party last night rained some had to carry a heavy piece of timber a long way over slippery ground full of shell holes etc. Rations pretty short and was hungry all day. Slept most all day in my little dug out Went on wkg party again. Issue of Rum this morning which made me feel nice and warm.

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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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