Witness to War: Saturday Apr 13, 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:

Saturday Apr 13, 1918: Wkg party in morning very long hike. Got a job as batman at CCRC anything to get out of the line. Don’t like it very well but will stick it for a while. Haven’t had any mail now for over a month and I long to see my little girl. Felt lonesome for her Oh how I want her.

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.