Parents: Max Spittel and Berta geb. Goldmann.

Clarinetist, saxophonist, violinist, violist, pianist, guitarist. Through musical engagements, Helmut ended up in Shanghai in December 1938 and Selma and their daughter joined him there; their son was born there in 1940. Surviving the war years in Shanghai, the family followed Helmut's brother Hans (Harold) to Perth where Helmut continued his musical career.