Education
Capell graduated from the University of Sydney in 1922 as the University medallist in Classics.
Capell graduated from the University of Sydney in 1922 as the University medallist in Classics.
He ministered in churches in the Diocese of Newcastle, New South Wales for 10 years, while continuing his studies in linguistics. Having graduated with an honours Master of Arts in Classics from Sydney in 1931, he left Australia in 1935 and commenced doctoral studies at the University of London. He graduated in 1936 with a Doctor of Philosophy from the School of Oriental and African Studies.
His thesis, The linguistic position of south-eastern Papua, was published in 1943.