Les Hoschke was born on 30th May 1918. Les was the youngest child of Harold and Alice Hoschke. His parents separated when Les was four. He lived with members of his family at Upper Orara for most of his childhood. He moved to Sydney to live with his father, and second wife Muriel, at Alexandria and then at 680 Merrylands Road, Merrylands.

Les was a talented sportsman. He represented NSW Schoolboys in Australian Rules in 1934. He later played with his brother Arnold for the successful Homebush Rugby League Football Club in the Western Suburbs District competition. Les played First Grade with Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club in 1942 and was a member of their 3rd Grade premiership team in 1944.

Les married Muriel Doris Lewis in 1942 in Granville, NSW. They lived at Merrylands, Riverstone and finally Blacktown. Les and Muriel had two sons, Colin and Robert.

Les demonstrated his sporting involvement and ability as a dedicated lawn bowler and became Blacktown Bowling Club Singles Champion. Les joined Riverstone Meat Company during the war years and was Paymaster for more than 20 years until his death on 22 July 1975 at Blacktown, NSW, at age 57.

Les’ story shared with thanks by Robert Hoschke