Witness to War: August 10-11, 1918

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:

August 10-11, 1918: Went back to Coy and stayed there for about 24 hours when Tack and I were sent to new area to reconnoiter with McAllow also Capt Carson of NO 4 Co. Just got to new area when Hun put over a heavy barrage and we started back thro’ it. Shells burst in all around so we got in trench had only been in there a minute when a shell burst on parapet killing both officers, wound 4 Co runner and Tack latter only got slight scratch on knee cap One awful night this was. [?] all gone for a while. Dug in here. Stayed here three days and moved up the line to support 13 – 15 & 16 Fairly quick now Stayed here one night and went to Close supports where we stayed four days in pretty good dug out had a quiet time.

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.