HARRY ANGEL SPRINT
HENRY BENJAMIN 'HARRY' ANGEL VK4HA
1891 - Birth
Henry Benjamin 'Harry' Angel was born on the 14th day of December 1891 at Manor House, Essex, England. He was the first of seven children to Henry Samuel Martin Angel and Elizabeth Jesse Angel nee Eyre. He was baptised on the 23rd day of March 1907 in St Mary the Virgin, Essex, England. (ancestry 2016) (findagrave 2019)
1911 - Deckhand duties
In 1911, Angel served as a deckhand on the William P. Frye, a 4 masted barque US Republican politician William P. Frye. (ancestry 2016) (Wikipedia 2001)
Above: William P Frye. Image c/o Wikipedia
1912 - Arrival in Australia
Angel arrived in Sydney in c. 1912. (ancestry 2016)
1913 - Breaking and entering
On the 18th day of July 1913, Angel was charged in the City Police Court before Mr, Mowbray P.M. with breaking and entering the dwelling house of Rev. Albert Edward West, a Congregational Minister, on 10th July at Clayfield, and stealing a quantity of jewellery valued at £12. Senior Sergeant Donnelly prosecuted.
Alice West, the wife of Rev. West, stated that she left home in the morning and returned later that evening to find the window of the back bedroom open. She stated that a box which contained some money had been removed and certain other items were also missing. (Angel's Visits 2026) (Clergymans House Entered 2026) (Daily Standard 1913)
Alice West, the wife of Rev. West, stated that she left home in the morning and returned later that evening to find the window of the back bedroom open. She stated that a box which contained some money had been removed and certain other items were also missing. (Angel's Visits 2026) (Clergymans House Entered 2026) (Daily Standard 1913)
Above: Article from the Daily Standard, Sat 26 Jul 1913. Image c/o Trove
Rev. Albert Edward West, a Congregational Minister, gave evidence and corroborated his wife's evidence. He identified jewellery which was produced to the court. (Angel's Visits 2026)
Above: a court artist's sketch of Rev. West. Image c/o Truth, Brisbane, Sun 20 Jul 1913. Image c/o Trove
Sidney Sawyer, a working jeweller, gave evidence that Angel sold him jewellery on the 14th day of July for 16s. He subsequently saw the articles in the stolen property list and immediately took them to the C.I.B.
He states that later that Day, Angel attempted to sell him another chain, and Sawyer told him the items were stolen. Sawyer asked Angel if he would accompany him to the C.I.B. office, which he agreed. (Angel's Visits 2026)
He states that later that Day, Angel attempted to sell him another chain, and Sawyer told him the items were stolen. Sawyer asked Angel if he would accompany him to the C.I.B. office, which he agreed. (Angel's Visits 2026)
Angel stated in his evidence that he had bought the jewellery from a man. He claimed that he had been in a park when he spoke with an unknown man who offered him some jewellery for sale. He gave him three razors and 8s for the jewellery and the man gave him a handwritten receipt. Angel stated he thought the property might be stolen so he asked for a receipt. (Clergymans House Entered 2026) (Daily Standard 1913)
Above: a court artist's sketch of Harry Angel. Image c/o Truth, Brisbane, Sun 20 Jul 1913. Image c/o Trove
In court, Angel was asked to write out the receipt, and it was acknowledged in evidence that the handwriting looked alike. Angel claimed he was not in Brisbane at the time of the break-in and that he had not arrived in Brisbane until the day after, on the 11th day of July. (Angel's Visits 2026)
The case was adjourned for eight days. (Angel's Visits 2026) (Clergymans House Entered 2026) (Daily Standard 1913)
Angel reappeared on Saturday the 26th day of July 1913 before Mr Moore, Police Magistrate in the Central Police Court. On the application of Senior Sergeant Donnelly, a remand was granted until the 30th day of July. (Angel Charged 2026)
On Wednesday the 30th day of July 1913, Angel appeared before Mr. Mowbray, Police Magistrate, in the Central Police Court.
Thomas Sherman, guard in the employ of the Railway Department, gave evidence that he remembered seeing Angel in a train from Toowoomba on the 11th day of July.
Mr. T. Mowbray observed that Angel might not have committed the breaking and entering, but had been found in possession of stolen property. He informed Angel that he had done a very foolish thing in purchasing the jewellery and discharged him. (Angel's Visits) (Daily Standard 1913)
Thomas Sherman, guard in the employ of the Railway Department, gave evidence that he remembered seeing Angel in a train from Toowoomba on the 11th day of July.
Mr. T. Mowbray observed that Angel might not have committed the breaking and entering, but had been found in possession of stolen property. He informed Angel that he had done a very foolish thing in purchasing the jewellery and discharged him. (Angel's Visits) (Daily Standard 1913)
Above: Article from the Daily Standard, Thu 31 Jul 1913. Image c/o Trove
1914 - Military service
On the 4th day of September 1914, aged 24, he enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force at Kensington, New South Wales. He was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 131 lbs, medium complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His occupation was recorded as Labourer. (ancestry 2016) (NAA 2019)
Above: Attestation Paper for Henry Benjamin Angel. Image c/o National Archives
He served with the 1st Battalion 1st Infantry Brigade as a Private. Angel embarked Sydney N.S.W. per HMAT A19 Afric on the 18th day of October 1914. He saw service in Egypt. (NAA 2019)
Above: HMAT A19 Afric. Image c/o Wikipedia
Angel returned to Australia in May 1915 via Suez aboard the Suevic after being deemed 'medically unfit.' He was discharged in June 1915. The reason for his discharge was recorded as pneumonia. (NAA 2019)
Above: SS Suevic. Image c/o Wikipedia
He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal 1914-1919, and the Victory Medal 1914-1919. (ancestry 2016) (NAA 2019)
1919 - Marriage
On the 16th day of August 1919, Angel married Rebecca Andrew in Queensland. (ancestry 2016)
They had three children; Lillian May, Harold Vincent, and Ronald Henry. (ancestry 2016)
1924 - convicted of assault
Angel pleaded guilty to Mr. H.L. Archall, C.P.M. in the Central Police Court on Wednesday the 12th day of November 1924, to a charge of having unlawfully assaulted Ethel Hodgkinson. He was fined £5, in default of payment within three days, two months imprisonment.
The victim stated that while she was at a sale at Smales auction room on the morning of Wednesday, the 12th day of November 1924, when Angel 'caught hold of her from behind.' She recognised him as the man who had done the same thing to her at an auction room on Friday the 7th day of November 1924. (Trove 2026)
The victim stated that while she was at a sale at Smales auction room on the morning of Wednesday, the 12th day of November 1924, when Angel 'caught hold of her from behind.' She recognised him as the man who had done the same thing to her at an auction room on Friday the 7th day of November 1924. (Trove 2026)
Above: Article from The Daily Mail, 13 Nov 1924. Image c/o Trove
1929 - convicted on indecent behaviour
On Friday the 5th day of April 1929, Angel was charged in the Police Court before Mr. H.L. Archdall C.P.M. with acting in an indecent manner in the auction room of Isles, Love and Co, Brisbane on that day. Angel pleaded not guilty and a remand was granted to the 12th day of April. Bail was £20 with one surety of £20. (Alleged Indec Beh 2026)
On Friday 26th day of April 1929, Mr. P.M. Hishon, Police Magistrate fined Angel £3 with 10 shilling witnesses' expenses, in default a month in gaol. Angel had been on remand and had been charged with acting in an indecent manner in the auction room of Isles, Love & Co in Brisbane on 5th April. Angel gave evidence and denied the offence. Senior Sergeant McGrath prosecuted. Mr. H.H. Stone appeared for Angel. (Labourer Fined 2026)
Above: Article from The Brisbane Courier, Sat 27 Apr 1929. Image c/o Trove
1931 - Not guilty to Wilful exposure/Indecent conduct
On Monday the 27th day of April 1931, Angel appeared in the Police Court before Mr. A.P. W. Treagar, Police Magistrate, charged with indecent conduct at Adelaide Street on the 24th day of April 1931. Angel pleaded not guilty.
Constable C.E. Armstrong gave evidence of having kept Angel under observation in a Queen Street store near its Adelaide Street entrance. Plain Clothes Constable J. McKenna also gave evidence.
Angel was further remanded. (Alleged Indecency 2026)
Constable C.E. Armstrong gave evidence of having kept Angel under observation in a Queen Street store near its Adelaide Street entrance. Plain Clothes Constable J. McKenna also gave evidence.
Angel was further remanded. (Alleged Indecency 2026)
Above: Article from The Telegraph Tue 28 Apr 1931. Image c/o Trove
On Wednesday the 6th day of May 1931, Angel appeared before Mr. J.S. Berge P.M. in the Police Court. He was committed for trial at the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court on 25th May. (Alleged Indecency 2026)
On Tuesday the 26th day of May 1931, Angel was charged at the Criminal Court with the offence of indecent exposure in a shop in Queen Street on 24th April. Mr. J.A. Sheehy was the Crown Prosecutor conducted the case for the Crown. Mr. W.H. Boden, instructed by F.M. O'Sullivan appeared for Angel. Boden argued that Angel should be discharged as he had already been charged with the same offence under the Vagrancy Act and the case had been withdrawn in the Police Court.
Justice Henchman ruled against Boden pointing out that under the law a person could be tried again for the same offence if he had already been tried and convicted or acquitted. Angel pleaded not guilty. A jury was empanelled and evidence was given. A verdict of not guilty was returned and Angel was discharged.
Justice Henchman ruled against Boden pointing out that under the law a person could be tried again for the same offence if he had already been tried and convicted or acquitted. Angel pleaded not guilty. A jury was empanelled and evidence was given. A verdict of not guilty was returned and Angel was discharged.
Above: Article from The Telegraph, Tue 26 May 1931. Image c/o Trove
1935 - obtained amateur radio licence
Angel obtained his amateur radio licence in August 1935. (AR 1998)
1973 - death of wife
On the 30th day of July 1973, Angel's wife Rebecca died in Brisbane, aged 81 years. (ancestry 2016)
1998 - Death
Angel died on the 17th day of August 1998, aged 106 years. (ancestry 2016) (findagrave 2019)
His resting place is at the Albany Creek Memorial Park. Bridgeman Downs, Queensland. (findagrave 2019)
Above: Harry Angel memorial. Image c/o findagrave.com
References.
- Alleged Indecency (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/20100005?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- ALLEGED INDECENCY. (1931, May 6). Daily Standard. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189033398?searchTerm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- Alleged Indecent Behaviour, (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21393035?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]
- Amateur Radio magazine, Feb 1998
- ancestry. (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. In Ancestry.com.au. https://www.ancestry.com.au/ [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- Angel Charged (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/178872518?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]
- ANGEL’S VISITS. - ALLEGED CRIB-CRACKER CAULS ON A CLAYFIELD CLERIC. - Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900 - 1954) - 20 Jul 1913. (2026). Trove. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/202657796?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]
- CLERGYMAN’S” HOUSE ENTERED. - ANGEL CHARGED. - Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 - 1936) - 18 Jul 1913. (2026). Trove. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/178871015?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]
- Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 - 1936) - 31 Jul 1913 - p2. (2026). Trove. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/20805352?searchterm=henry%20angel [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- Find a Grave. (2019). Find a Grave. In Findagrave.com. https://www.findagrave.com/ [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- Labourer Fined (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/192370667?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]
- Man Twice Charged (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186890953?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- National Archives of Australia. (2019). Home page | naa.gov.au. In Naa.gov.au. National Archives of Australia. https://www.naa.gov.au/ [Accessed 24 Jul 2026)
- Seized From Behind (2026). Nla.Gov.Au. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/32322892?searchterm=henry%20benjamin%20angel [Accessed 23 Jul 2026]
- Wikipedia. (2001). Wikipedia. In Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org [Accessed 24 Jul 2026]