Witness to War: Sunday, Dec 14, 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:

Sunday, Dec 14, 1918: Marched about 5km to Unter-Eichbach – here a fair room.

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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.

From the War Diary of the 14th Battalion (RMR):

Unter-Esbach, Germany: Dec 14 th Leaving VOLBERG at 10:30 a.m. the Battalion marched to UNTER-ESBACH and billeted about 12:00 noon. The march which was without incident was the shortest made in the advance, being only 5 kilometres.

No. 7 Platoon rejoined the Battalion from quarantine.

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