Duff trained at Camp Borden and sailed from Halifax to Liverpool aboard the S.S. Coronia on October 31, 1916.

In early February 1917 Duff volunteered to go to France and was attached to the 4th Battalion going almost immediately into the trenches and then taking part in minor engagements.  On the 9th of April his regiment was engaged in the great battle of Vimy Ridge where he received a severe shrapnel wound to the face.  This kept him at the Hospital in Boulogne and at the base for a month before rejoining his regiment.

About the end of August Duff was granted a leave of absence for three weeks most of which was spent in Scotland visiting relatives in Perthshire and Dundee.

On the 23rd of September he returned to France and Flanders where preparations were under way for the taking of Passchendale ridge.  William wrote home to his parents at this time outlining his experiences in the army and thanking them for the gifts he had received. William wrote, "Ollie's box contained a little Bible from Jack and Marjory and believe me, I never prized anything as much, coming as it did at this particular time."

*The newspaper clipping that led Brendan Oliver on his quest to learn more about the young man in uniform.  Brendan has a lot of factual information about Duff and is looking for more personal accounts of the soldier.  If you have any information about the Duffs, please contact Brendan at griff8_@hotmail.com
Tomorrow:  Passchendale.
Research courtesy of Brendan Oliver of Hamilton