Witness to War: Sunday July 15, 1917

Witness to War: Sunday July 15, 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 15, 1917: Still on rest, church parade wrote No 29 to Wifie. Also to Lena and Aunt Frank Rec’d No 17 & 19 from Clare Not much doing. Rec’d parcel from Clare with underwear and fruitcake Latter was put out of commission in short order by Charlie Mac and I.

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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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