Witness to War: Thursday, Aug 8 – 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:

Thursday, Aug 8 – 1918: Barrage opened up about 4am with a bang and the boys were away It was a glorious sight Made our objective in good time The tanks are great medicine for machine gun nests Many prisoners taken guns etc and the boys got many souvenirs E Roberts wounded today not serious I hope.

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.