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:
Tuesday May 1, 1917: All ready to go on leave bright and early. Left Camp about 10am Brighton Croydon to Victoria Station missed the Southhampton train so will have to stay over in London. Went to Globe Theatre and saw a Variety Show fairly good then back to Maple Leaf Club[1] and finished letter to Clare.
[1] Bar/restaurant in London, for Canadian soldiers during the war.
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