Silvertown explosion hero recognised with blue plaque
PUBLISHED: 11:56 16 July 2018 | UPDATED: 11:56 16 July 2018
Dr Andrea Angel, chief chemist at the Brunner Mond Works
Archant
When a fire broke out in a Silvertown munitions factory in 1917, Andrea Angel knew how dangerous it could be.
The plaque to Dr Andrea Angel Picture: Eda ForbesThe chief chemist urged factory workers to run for safety while he attempted to put out the fire, a decision which ultimately cost him his life.
Now his bravery has been recognised with a blue plaque, which was installed outside his former home in Oxford on Saturday.
Prior to the First World War, Dr Angel had been a lecturer at the university there, and his chemistry skills saw him become chief chemist at the Brunner Mond TNT factory in Silvertown.
The explosion at the factory killed the 40-year-old instantly, and he was posthumously recognised for his bravery.
He left behind a wife, Mary, and two daughters - the youngest of which was the Hollywood actress Heather Angel, who starred in a host of films during 1930s and 40s.
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