Witness to War: Tuesday, Oct 22, 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, Oct 22, 1918: Rec’d orders to move back to Somain The above mentioned move being an error. Marched back to Somain On route met Bob Morrow with 5th CMR’s [Canadian Mounted Rifles] and went back at our old Billets and our same lady friend was tickled to death to see us. Joe Gill returned today so have him in room with me. Lots of rain every day now Wrote letter to my little girl yesterday but did not have a chance to get it off.
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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.
