Finding Healing Love: Ed Peall and Fanny Harper

Edwin Peall is Injured

Edwin (Ed) Peall was wounded by shrapnel at Vimy Ridge in April 1917. During his recovery in England, he fell in love with his nurse, Fanny Hooper.

As part of his recovery, he made two rings. One was made for Fanny. It was aluminum with ivies etched around the outer edges. On the top was a heart with her initials, “FH,” in it.

An aluminum ring engraved with plants around the outside of the ring. There is a heart filled with the initials “F H” on the top.

Ring Ed Peall made for Fanny. Aluminum, 2.3 x 2.2 x 1.0 cm, c. 1917

The other was made for him. It was also made from aluminum and had a brass rectangular top depicting a flaming grenade symbol. This, of course, referenced the way in which they had come to meet and know each other.

An aluminum ring with a brass top embossed with a flaming grenade.

Ring Ed Peall made for himself. It had a flaming grenade symbol as an insignia. Aluminum, brass, 2.2 x 2.0 x 0.7 cm, c. 1917

Peall Returns to Canada

Peall was returned to Canada in October 1917 to a convalescent hospital in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

In this sepia-coloured photograph, a young smiling couple are sitting close together. They have their legs crossed and are sitting on a porch and looking at the camera.

Fanny and Ed Peall on their porch in Glenside, SK, c. 1922.

Fanny Joins Edwin

After the First World War was over, he and Fanny married, and they farmed in Glenside, Saskatchewan north-west of Moose Jaw. Unfortunately, Fanny died in the 1920s

Edwin after Fanny

During the Second World War, Ed Peall continued to serve the war effort.

If you would like to see more information about First World War Veteran, Ed Peall, click here.

If you would like to see more trench art and other Canadian war-related craft, click here.

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