Witness to War: Tuesday, Dec 31, 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:

Tuesday, Dec 31, 1918: Not much doing back in evening went to Hoffnungsthal to stop 15th Clerk from Cologne on train While on train it started and carried me about 4 miles down line – so had station master at Rosrath flag Engine and ride back in Cab. Great to be the Boss.

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.

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