Witness to War: Saturday, Jan 18 – 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, Jan 18 – 1919: Capt Harvey and the Padre of the 15^th came over for me and went downtown with them then Bert Butler came along and visited. He has been appointed area Commander and is trying to get me to stay with him. Went down town with Mac in evening – Rec’d bunch of mail – Letter from home –.

Search the glossary here for definitions

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.