Witness to War: Wednesday, July 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:

Wednesday, July 31, 1918: Got up at 1.30am and got ready to move out and went to RR near Arras and entrained on Narrow Gauge and came down to Fosseux about 2 ½ hrs ride on cars. Fine little village in middle of very pretty wards On arrival Rec’d registered letter from Clare with $10.00 Also my parcel back from Folks in GM and Lina.

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.