Witness to War: Wednesday, Jan 15 – 1919

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:

Wednesday, Jan 15 – 1919: Had breakfast in bed again then received the two M- [?] and here we are Guess will go to Douvens for lunch. Found Capt Harvey here too Came back to Huy in evening went out to Bas-Oha in evening after I got back some money and brought it to Cap Carson got to bed about 12am.

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.