Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Biography – Entry from Torontonensis, University of Toronto's yearbook for 1941, describes Leach's interests and activities. Mention is made of Leach's friendship with Ted Gray - sadly, this is referring to Edwin Roy Gray who was also killed in the Second World War.

Memorial Plaque – This outdoor plaque is located at the “Old Vic” building, part of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. The decorative motif at the top shows the Victoria University crest, with motto in Latin: “ABEUNT STUDIA IN MORES”. The plaque is inscribed: “THEY WERE VALIANT IN LIFE TRIUMPHANT IN DEATH. ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF THE STUDENTS OF THIS COLLEGE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1939-1945. THIS TABLET WAS ERECTED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND DEDICATED OCTOBER 13TH, 1953”. There are 79 names inscribed in bas relief. Photo: Cody Gagnon, courtesy of Alumni Relations, University of Toronto.

Newspaper clipping – From the Edmonton Bulletin April 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Photo of JOHN EDWARD LEACH – In memory of the students from the Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute (Toronto) who went away to war and did not come home. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Photo of John Edward Leach – Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me

Newspaper Clipping – Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me

Newspaper Clipping – Memorialized on the pages of the Globe and Mail. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Grave Marker – Photographer Frans van Cappellen of The Netherlands

Cemetery – Photo of the graves of F/O Leach and F/O (OB) R. M. Bull who were killed when their Mosquito aircraft crashed on a daylight raid over Friesland, Holland. (Thanks to photographer Frans van Cappellen of The Netherlands who kindly gave permission to G. E. Chase for the use of his photos on CVWM.)

Roll of Honour – In memory of the students from the Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute (Toronto) who went away to war and did not come home. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Roll of Honour – In memory of the students from the Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute (Toronto) who went away to war and did not come home. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Crest – In memory of the students from the Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute (Toronto) who went away to war and did not come home. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Roll of Honour – In memory of the students from the Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute (Toronto) who went away to war and did not come home. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Roll of Honour – In memory of the students from the Vaughan Road Collegiate Institute (Toronto) who went away to war and did not come home. Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me