This article, on Anzac Day 2023, is about Ted Hoschke who was the only one of the family to serve in WW1. His brother Albert also enlisted but was injured and invalided out without completing training.
Ted was active in the community and at any gathering was often a speaker. He often spoke on behalf of the family, for example at the wedding of Hulda Minnie, his sister. He was also the president of the Parents and Citizens (school) Association, president of the cricket club, one of the two people who ran the polling booth on election days and so on.
It is notable that Ted was almost 34 years old when he enlisted and thus much older than many of the others in the army. The following excerpt from a newspaper shows the community support for the soldiers.
Grafton Argus and Clarence River General Advertiser (NSW : 1874 – 1875; 1879 – 1882; 1888; 1892; 1899 – 1922), Wednesday 15 September 1915, page 3
CORAMBA VALEDICTORY.
At the Hampdon Hotel, Coramba, on Friday night. Mr. E. T. Hoschke was given a send-off by a representative gathering. The chair was occupied by Cr. T. Martin, President of the Shire of Dorrigo. In speaking to the toast of “The Guest,” he referred to his many good qualities and said that he was a good citizen, and that, during the time that he had been in business, in Coramba, he had gained the respect and esteem of the people.
He congratulated him on his patriotism in going to the front and thereby incurring a good deal of financial losses, and wished him God-speed, and a safe return. Mr. P. J. MacNamara spoke to the toast and referred to the integrity of Mr. Hoschke as a businessman, and of the great loss he would naturally suffer in giving up his business to go to the front and fight for his country.
Speeches were also made by Messrs. Mark, Reid, Betteridge, Hope, Daniels, Blythman and others. The toast was enthusiastically honored and Mr. Hoschke responded. He said that he considered it was the duty of every single man who was fit and free, to go to the front. During the evening songs and recitations were rendered, and the toast of the chairman concluded a very successful function.
APA citation. CORAMBA VALEDICTORY. (1915, September 15). The Grafton Argus and Clarence River General Advertiser (NSW : 1874 – 1875; 1879 – 1882; 1888; 1892; 1899 – 1922), p. 3. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235451663
Following is a letter he wrote on arriving in France. I believe the reference to “tinned fish” was the term used for enemy torpedoes.
Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), Friday 30 June 1916, page 7
A SOLDIER’S LETTER.
Gunner E. T. Hoschke writes to his parents-at Upper Orara, as follows:— “We arrived safely in France without interference from “tinned fish.” The Red Sea trip was a very pleasant one, and the troops landed in good trim. We had a long railway journey through France, and thereby had a chance of seeing some of the country, which is densely populated, and every bit of land is utilised in some productive way.
Australia is like a wilderness in comparison, but the towns do not impress me much. Up to the present, I have not seen anything I would have in preference to Australia, while Sydney and Melbourne can more than hold their own with any town I have yet seen.
Nevertheless, France is a very nice country and every inch of it appears, to be productive, and the whole environment spells “home. ” No wonder the French are proud of their country.
I might say I have a touch of mumps, and will, of course, have to have 21 days’ holiday in quarantine. There are no bed cases in our ward, and we have a big lawn to ourselves, and are having a very good time.”
APA citation. A SOLDIER’S LETTER. (1916, June 30). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), p. 7. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article194811316
The service record for Ted is on the National Archives of Australia website and the reference is – NAA: B2455, HOSCHKE E T 11486 Series number: B2455 Control symbol: HOSCHKE E T 11486 Barcode: 5831532 Number of pages: 11 Title: HOSCHKE Edward Thomas : Service Number – 11486 : Place of Birth – Orange NSW : Place of Enlistment – Holsworthy NSW : Next of Kin – (Father) HOSCHKE Amandus
In summary it appears that, in 1916, he was assigned to the 5th FAB (field artillery brigade) of the 5th Division in France. There is mention of the DAC (division artillery or ammunition column) and this is in line with the note in other parts of the family history that his farming background was utilised in working with the horses used to move ammunition and guns.
Later in 1916 he was evacuated to hospital with DAH (disordered action of the heart) which could be caused by the effort and stress of war. Then further diagnosed as having VDH (valvular disease of the heart) which led to him returning to Australia and being discharged.
[While artillery was mainly used against the infantry of the enemy it was dangerous for the gunners as the enemy would use their artillery in counter-battery fire. That is to destroy the artillery of the other side.]
There are several articles referring to his return to Australia and following is a brief excerpt from one.
Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), Wednesday 6 December 1916, page 2
… Gunner “Ted” Hoschke returned to Australia from the front about a month ago, and is in hospital in Sydney. Heart trouble was the reason for his home-coming, but no one can say that his heart was not in the right place. …
APA citation PERSONAL. (1916, December 6). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188565534
Ted returned to Australia and after stay in hospital returned to Orara and went on to live until he was almost 90 years old. His son, Geoffrey, served in World War 2.
Hoschke Family in Australia 