Witness to War: Monday March 26, 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:

Monday March 26, 1917: Got up and had breakfast then went on guard at 9am Bands gave a concert in the afternoon and after dark 149 and 186 Regts [Regiments] in this boat also will try and get a letter off to Clare if possible Fine sunny warm day we are in Bedford Basin

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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