SYSK’s Fall True Crime Playlist: How The Great Train Robbery Worked

The infamous Great Train Robbery was the result of meticulous planning by a gang including the Bowler Hat Gang and the South Coast Raiders, though their execution was marred by unnecessary violence towards the train's conductor that affected public sentiment and the outcome of the robbery trials.

Gang Meticulously Planned "Up Special" Mail Train Heist

The "Up Special" mail train heist was identified as the target for a monumental robbery. Known for its reliability and minimal security, the train had been running every night between Glasgow and London since the 1830s, operating as a mobile mail sorting facility. The train, which had run for almost 150 years without incident, was perceived as a less guarded target. The Bowler Hat Gang and the South Coast Raiders saw an opportunity to execute what would become a historic heist, worth about $100 million in today's money.

Bowler Hat Gang, South Coast Raiders Collaborate to Identify Target Train, Develop Operational Plan

The gang meticulously planned to seize the old 12-car "Up Special" train traveling from Scotland to London. They required a driver to move the train after the robbery and recruited an elderly man named Peter for the task. However, when it came time to move the train, Peter struggled with the new handbrake system, hindering the gang's plans. Ultimately, they found that Peter could not operate the train and chose to eject him from the plan.

Gang's Plan to Stop Train By Manipulating Signals Succeeds, Enabling Cash Offload

The gang's strategy involved stopping the train by altering the signal system. They covered the green light with gloves and wired the red light to turn on, successfully halting the train. This enabled the robbers to execute their plan for the cash offload.

Efficient Robbery, but Gang Erred With Conductor Treatment

Gang Violently Assaulted Elderly Train Conductor Jack Mills, Causing Lasting Injuries

The robbery itself was carried out with precision, but the gang erred gravely with their treatment of the train conductor, Jack Mill ...

The notorious theft in question involved a group of robbers with colorful backgrounds, each contributing unique skills to the heist.

Mastermind Bruce Reynolds United the Bowler Hat Gang and South Coast Raiders

Bruce Reynolds was the mastermind who brought together the Bowler Hat Gang and the South Coast Raiders, paving the way for the notorious heist.

Reynolds Recruited "Goody" to Lead Technical Aspects of Robbery

To handle the technical aspects of the robbery, Reynolds recruited a man known as "Goody."

Key Members Included "Ulsterman" Who Provided Train Operation Details

Among the key members of the gang was an insider code-named "Ulsterman," later identified as Patrick McKenna.

McKenna, believed to have ties to the train and postal industry, provided the gang with vital details on train operations. He informed them when the train would be carrying extra cargo owing to a bank holiday, which was crucial to the timing of the robbery. After the robbery, McKenna is said to have been burdened by guilt, with his family asserting that he never used the stolen money for personal gain, instead donating it to the Catholic Church throughout his life.

Robbers Had Lengthy Histories and Reputations, Like Ronnie Biggs

Biggs Failed to Ensure a Trained Driver for the Train

One member of the gang, Ronnie Biggs, was responsible for procuring a trained driver for the heist, a task at which he failed. This oversight forced the gang to rely on the train's original engineer to drive the vehicle post-robbery.

Biggs Became a Folk Hero For Evading Authorities After the Robbery

Despite his shortcomings in the robbery's planning, Ronnie Biggs became remarkably famous for remaining a fugitive for approximately 30 years. To many in the UK, he was considered a folk hero and a symbol of anti-establishment sentiment for his exceptional ability to evade capture. Adding to his legend, Biggs sang ...

After a high-profile train robbery, the investigation, led by Detective Tommy Butler, ensued, leading to trials, convictions, and varied fates for the robbers.

Robbery Quickly Reported; Detective Tommy Butler Leads Investigation

Police Traced Gang's Hideout to Leatherslade Farm From Neighbor's Tip

Chief Superintendent Detective Tommy Butler of the Flying Squad was assigned to the case. The public was initially intrigued by the daring nature of the heist, and the robbers managed to avoid detection for a week. Their prearranged hideout at Leatherslade Farm was discovered after a neighbor noticed unusual activity and reported it, leading to most of the robbers’ apprehension and lengthy prison sentences. Once Leatherslade Farm was identified, the authorities apprehended at least one person within eight days of the heist.

Most Robbers Were Apprehended, Receiving Lengthy Prison Sentences

The robbers began to be captured one by one as names were revealed in the criminal underworld. The gang had effectively disappeared into their hideout, but when discovered, it led to their arrests and subsequent trials.

Robbers' Trials Marred by Allegations of Planted Evidence and False Confessions

During the trials, some of the robbers claimed fabricated evidence, such as paint on a shoe. There were reports of false confessions. William Boal was wrongfully implicated and died in prison because of money owed to him by someone involved in the heist. There is now a campaign to get a posthumous pardon for him.

William Boal Wrongly Convicted, Died In Prison Without Direct Involvement

Boal received money from a debt owed to him, unrelated to the robbery, leading to his wrongful conviction and 14-year prison sentence. Despite no direct involvement, he died in prison.

Ronnie Biggs Escaped Prison, Fled To Brazil, and Lived Openly Before ...