Mail train robbery
The Great Mail Train Robbery of 1963!
On August 8, 1963, a gang of robbers, led by Bruce Reynolds, carried out a daring heist on the Royal Mail train, known as the "Gone Away Train," as it traveled from Glasgow to London. The gang, which included 15 members, used a combination of explosives, guns, and disguises to steal £2.6 million (approximately £50 million or $65 million today) in cash and valuables.
The robbery was meticulously planned, with the gang using inside information and fake identities to gain access to the train. They used explosives to blast open the train's safe and then made off with the loot, leaving behind a trail of confusion and chaos.
The investigation that followed was one of the largest and most complex in British history, involving over 1,000 police officers and taking several years to complete. The gang members were eventually caught and brought to justice, with many serving long prison sentences.
The Great Mail Train Robbery of 1963 remains one of the most infamous crimes in British history, and its legacy has been immortalized in popular culture, including in films, books, and TV shows.
Some interesting facts about the robbery:
- The gang used a fake police car to block the train tracks and create a diversion.
- The robbers wore wigs, fake beards, and sunglasses to disguise themselves.
- The stolen loot was hidden in a series of secret locations, including a farm in Wales and a warehouse in London.
- The investigation was led by Detective Chief Superintendent Tommy Butler, who was known for his tenacity and determination.
- The robbery was so brazen that it was dubbed the "crime of the century" by the British press.
The Great Mail Train Robbery of 1963 will always be remembered as a daring and audacious crime that captured the imagination of the public and cemented its place in the annals of criminal history.