SCHMAAL, Leslie Norman
| Service Numbers: | SX31599, S52559 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 19 July 1943 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 61 Infantry Battalion AMF |
| Born: | Mannum, South Australia, 4 November 1920 |
| Home Town: | Punthari, Mid Murray, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | 12 October 2023, aged 102 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Nuriootpa Cemetery, South Australia |
| Memorials: | Cambrai and District Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 19 Jul 1943: | Involvement Private, SX31599 | |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Jul 1943: | Involvement Private, S52559 | |
| 19 Jul 1943: | Enlisted | |
| 19 Jul 1943: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, SX31599, 61 Infantry Battalion AMF | |
| 12 Mar 1945: | Discharged | |
| 12 Mar 1945: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, SX31599, 61 Infantry Battalion AMF |
Some of Les’ life
Mr Leslie Schmaal
Les was born in Mannum, South Australia, the eldest of four children.
His family resided on a mixed farming property, which included cereal cropping, sheep grazing, a small dairy herd, pigs, and poultry.
After finishing primary school, Les left to help his father on the farm. After his father’s death in 1967, Les took over the running of the property, continuing until his retirement in 1993, when his son took over.
Les enlisted in the army in 1942, serving in New Guinea and North Queensland before returning to the family farm.
Les was always a keen sportsman, and, although talented at many sports (athletics, tennis, football, and golf), his great love was cricket. One of Les’ most memorable innings was making 130 not out at Alberton Oval.
In 1957, Les met his future wife, Desma, and the couple were married in September 1958, going on to have five children, all of whom inherited Les’ sporting talent.
Following Les’ retirement from the family farm, Les and Desma moved to the Barossa Valley, where they quickly became very active and valued members of the local community.
The couple enjoyed 56 years of marriage before Desma’s death in 2014.
Les moved into Resthaven Marion in 2018, where he enjoyed life and the activities on offer (particularly concerts, bingo and footy tipping!).
Submitted 1 March 2025 by Neville Byrne
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