Leslie was born at Parramatta in 1896 to Alexander and Sarah Foley (BDM #33571/1896.) Lesley was 19 years old, single and working as a labourer when he enlisted on the 23rd May 1916. He lived at home with his father, Alexander, at George Street, Parramatta. He named his father as next of kin, and was of the Church of England faith.
He embarked in Sydney on board HMAT “Aenaes” A60, on the 30th November 1916 with the 54th Infantry Battalion, 2-5 Reinforcements (April-September 1916). He saw active service in France from 16th February 1917 and was in and out of hospital at times with diarrhoea. He was hospitalised as a result of being gassed on 17th October 1917 but returned to active service. On 27th September 1918 he received a gunshot wound to the right leg and was hospitalised in England. He embarked on board HMAT “Derbyshire” on 2nd February 1919 to return home to Australia and arrived on 24th April, 1919.
Researched by Noela Vranich, Volunteer, Parramatta Heritage Centre 2015