Canada. First War Diary Named To Private Reginald Alexander Watson, 71St Infantry Battalion, 8Th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops

This diary documents the day to day life of a soldier in the field during the latter part of the war. Each weekly spread has listings from Monday to Thursday on the left hand spread, while Friday to Sunday are entered on the right hand spread. The printed calendar text is in French throughout the publication, while Private Watson's handwritten entries are in English. A few entries near the front of the diary are in pencil, the bulk of the entries in black pen, beginning on March 2nd and run until December 31st. There is a Notes Section at the back where Watson has a list of names entitled "Xmas Boxes '19", with a storage pouch added on the inside back cover. The Diary has a black leather cover, the front cover has "1918" printed in gold-coloured ink, with a label affixed inscribed "REG WATSON / DIARY 1918 / IN FRANCE". It comes complete with a fold over tab stitched in place to the inside back cover, and when connected to the snap closure on the front cover, ensures a secure closure. The Diary measures 62 mm (w) x 98 mm (h) x 7 mm (d), exhibiting light wear on the exterior cover, with foxing evident on the pages, the inside back cover paper lining coming away from the body of the publication. Very fine.