Thiesies was born in 1908 in
Berlin, as the son of the custodian of a block of rental flats. After his school years, he took out an apprenticeship as a
tailor and took up
boxing and
gymnastics as sports. During the Second World War, he was stationed in
France and was able to make contact with French rugby players, who he trained with. In 1950, he became a member of the new rugby branch of the
East German Football Association. He became the full-time coach of
Stahl in 1953, being employed through the local steelworks. He was also the first coach of the new East Germany national team, which he was in charge of in 35 internationals throughout the years. Until his retirement in 1977, he coached
Stahl to 17 national championships. Over the years, he was honoured by German and international rugby federations for his service to the sport. He remained a strong supporter of rugby in Hennigsdorf until his death in 1993 and is remembered as the soul of rugby in the town. ==Honours==