Robert Leonard was the third son of Henry and Sarah Leonard. He was born in April 1888. He was one of at least six children, all born in the Ardtrea area. His father was a labourer. Robert was one of four brothers who served during the war. A newspaper report from 1918 records that Corporal R Leonard was home from France on leave. Only two of the brothers of the four Leonard brothers who served were listed on the Memorial in Coagh Orange Hall – Robert and Henry.