295 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND PLAYER, Leslie Leslie was born on October 9, 1896, in Leeds, England to William and Eliza (Bates) along with three siblings, Clarence, Harry and Evelyn Parker. Prior to World War I, Leslie was working as a mason and was training with the 28th Regiment when he received the letter that he was drafted. He enlisted in the Army (Regular Force) in London on January 18, 1918, left Canada on February 21, 1918, and arrived in France on August 20, 1918 with the 31st Battalion, 2nd Division. Leslie was wounded by shrapnel on the right arm on September 7, 1918 and returned to the frontlines on November 2, 1918. He was discharged on May 24, 1919. He married Pearl (Kraeling) and raised four children: William, Stanley, Margaret and Nelda in Stratford, Ontario. He returned to his masonry trade. On March 5, 1941, Leslie enlisted in the Army for World War II with the Royal Canadian Engineers, Repatriation School in London, Ontario teaching building to military personnel. When the war was over, he was kept busy teaching returning men who wished to learn a trade. On January 9, 1946, Leslie was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Both his sons were members of The Royal Canadian Legion. Leslie passed away on February 17, 1988 and is laid to rest in St. Peters Lutheran Church in Gadshill, Ontario. PLOUFFE, William Amos William was born in Toronto, Ontario on April 29, 1943. He enlisted in the Army (Regular Force) with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in September 1961. He was commissioned in 1968 and did Regimental duties and instructed at Combat Arms School. He was an honour graduate at US Army Staff College. He did Regimental Service as Company Commander and Deputy CO. He was a Liaison Officer with 7 US Corps in Germany and participated in Exercise winter CENTAS. His final assignment was commanding officer ceremonial guard. He was released in September 1996. William is a four-year member of The Royal Canadian Legion Kanata Branch 638. PLEDGER, Ernest “Ernie” Ernie was born in Toronto, Ontario on April 6, 1919. He enlisted in 1939 and served in the 4th Canadian Armoured Division Normandy Veteran Signals, Signal Corps (Army) and travelled with the front lines through France and Germany. He had his appendix removed by a new doctor consulting his surgical manual in a tent. Such was life in the army. He was discharged in 1945 and received the 19391945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. Upon his return to Canada in 1946, Ernie married his sweetheart Edna. Of course, he had to get permission from his employer to marry as his income was so small. Ernie regaled his family with stories of the war, but only in the last decade of his life. The painful memories took many years to pass. Thankfully, he was able to share his memories to his many friends that served Canada faithfully. He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branches 11 and 397 for a total of 44 years. Ernie passed away on May 13, 2015 at the age of 96, at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto.
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