Witness to War: Tuesday July 31, 1917

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 July 31, 1917: Inspection by CO and route march through Bruay Stopped in afternoon and had Lady of the house here bail me some water and made coffee with can of condensed coffee from home. In evening made fire in tumble down fireplace in old house we are in and sat in stared and dreamed of my Little Girl – when oh when will I see her again.

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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.

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