It’s generally accepted that the infamous Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was founded in 1948 on this day in Fontana, California. Otto Friedli is credited with getting things started when he left the unambiguously named Pissed Off Bastards and brought together a few local motorcycle clubs.
The naming is credited to Arvid Olsen who served in the “Hell’s Angels” squadron of the Flying Tigers in World War II. although it may have come from the similarly named squadron in the 303rd Bombardment Group. One way or another, it seems pretty certain that it follows the US tradition of naming squadrons to intimidate the enemy.
The death’s head insignia was designed by former president of the San Francisco chapter, Frank Sadilek. While the club’s chapters are run autonomously, they all conform to the red lettering on white design of the patches. The club has trademarked their designs and sued various corporations, including Disney, who’ve tried to use their intellectual property without permission or payment. It’s the American way.
Bad, or just bad ass? Ask the club and they’ll tell you criminality isn’t their philosophy but individual members may operate outside the law. Each chapter makes it’s own rules; some are probably further on the wrong side of the law than others. Ask the US Department of Justice and they’ll say that members of the Angels, along with the Pagans, Outlaws and and Bandidos, are involved in violent crime and crime syndicates.
From humble beginnings on the west coast, today there are around 467 chapters in 59 countries. Although not in The Netherlands, where the club is banned.
The Hells Angels are aware of the missing apostrophe in their name. They do not care.