Witness to War: Sunday July 22, 1917

Witness to War: Sunday July 22, 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 22, 1917: Marched to Ruitz bout 5 miles and now we are fine so will write a bit will write No 31 to my Little Girl Got a room in a house here with single bed and Sam Greenway[1] is sleeping with me

[1] Greenway, Samuel Thomas. KIA 22 August 1917, Chocques Military Cemetery.

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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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