[Editor’s note: Hart Leech died September 16, 1916. The letter below was mailed but subsequently returned marked “Killed in Action.”]

Sept 20/16

My dear boy:-

I do not know where or quite how to write you tonight. We have today received the news that you are wounded. We do not know how badly or where you are, but infer that you have been in the recent “Tank” drive at the Somme. Messages have also arived, announcing so far 67. casualties amongst Winnipeg men including Lieut Bob Rice and Trevor S. Bell. son of the Col. W.G. Bell, both of whom were killed.

Upon hearing of your misfortune I called Gen. Ruttan and asked him to try to find out the extent of your injuries, where you were, and if I could have anything done for you. He at once wired Ottawa to have the inquiry made.

I am hoping for the best; that you are not mortally wounded or permanently disabled, but with an anxious mind, and a heart too full of emotion to be released from the severest restraints at this time. I am sure the splendid courage which has been so conspicuous in you, will do much to tide you over the trying ordeal you are now called to endure. The man with lots of courage stands infinitely better chances in case of injury or illness than the man without, just as it helps him to conquer other obstacles in life. I am therefore Hart, buoyed up to the hope that if they have not about completely destroyed you, you will by the very spirit within you be carried through.

My boy I have just had a phone message from good old big hearted Gen. Ruttan, telling me that he had a message from Ottawa that they were sending a special cable of enquiry about you to know the extent of your injuries and where you are. I hope to hear something by tomorrow. If not I shall forward this letter to the old address.

The daily papers today published your photograph in the most conspicuous part of the front page but the report is so inaccurate that its effect is spoiled. I shall forward a Telegram to you concurrently with this letter.

I have wired Vernon, and notified Mrs McPherson asking her to let your little sweet-heart know of your injury. You may rest assured I shall leave nothing within my power undone to relieve your suffering as to carry out what I conceive would be your wish to have done here.

Dr George passed through with the 113 Highlanders yesterday. He may however be authorized to raise a medical corps. If so he will return at once and recruit his men. I have given him your recent address and in case he goes over he will endeavor to find you.

Cheer up my boy, no matter how badly you may be hurt, you have hurt the Boches worse. You will come out all right. You have lots of admiring friends here, I am kept busy answering phone calls.

With lots of love and tenderest sympathy I am your affectionate father
J.H.L.

22.nd
I have no word from the department yet so will send this letter forward. Goodbye and keep up your store of courage Everything is going to come right no matter how badly you are battered. There is nothing in this world going to beat us. I have just had a talk with Bob Rice’s father. He is naturally grief stricken over the loss of his boy. We have much to feel grateful for and my whole heart goes out to him and to all who have lost their precious boy
with love