Witness to War: Tuesday Feb 19, 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 Feb 19, 1918: Met John[1] & Ted Turcotte who are in 61st CFA [Canadian Field Artillery] both looking fine Went and had a bath which I much needed, then went with Joe, Mike, Mac and Joe and had our picture taken. No 78.
[1] Turcotte, John. Born 10 June 1892, Neuvelton, NY, USA. Enlisted 16 April 1916, Lethbridge, AB.
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.
