Witness to War: Saturday, Feb 8 – 1919

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, Feb 8 – 1919: Went by Auto to Soignies with Cap Harvey by way of Namur and Brussels Came back by Braine le Comte Nivelles & Namur Had an accident on road coming down hill RR got closed and brakes wouldn’t work so had to run car into fence smashing windshield and mud guards Limped home on 3 legs, terrible cold. Got home at midnight.

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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.