Bob Leach
Bob Leech, born on October 25, 1891, was an ordinary man who found himself caught up in the epic events of World War I. Prior to enlisting in the Canadian Army, Bob worked as a confectioner for his father C.J. in London, Ontario. At the age of 24, he decided to join the army. Through his letters, Bob comes across as a person with a rich personality, displaying qualities such as humor, resilience, and depth. Despite the hardships of war, he managed to maintain strong connections with his loved ones, including his family, his best friend and future brother-in-law Murray, and his sweetheart, Annabelle.
Murray Sangster
Murray, Bob’s comrade-in-arms and best friend, embodies the spirit of camaraderie that was crucial for survival in the trenches of WWI. Born October 12th 1887, Murray was 28 and a successful insurance broker when he and Bob decided to enlist. Always at Bob’s side, except when duty called them apart, Murray’s relationship with Bob served as a lifeline in the harsh realities of war. Later, Murray’s marriage to Carrie weaves an enduring bond between two families, a tale of friendship turned into family.
Carrie Leach
Carrie, Bob’s younger sister, serves as a vital link between Bob and the home front. Through her brother’s letters, we see her transition from a young woman grappling with her own challenges – including a car accident – to the supportive figure who helps maintain morale from thousands of miles away. Her strength lies not on the battlefield but in the emotional support she provides, a testament to the unsung heroes on the home front during the war.
Fleda Leach
Bob and Carrie’s mother Fleda was already like a mother to her future son-in-law Murray when he wrote to her from England in 1916. She is the primary addressee of the letters and presumably the first individual to preserve and pass them down. She and her husband, Christopher Leach, owned a confectionary business in London, Ontario, from which they sent Bob and Murray many fine baked goods.
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