Ronald Biggs: The Great Train Robber Who Escaped Justice

Ronald Biggs remains one of the most infamous figures in British criminal history, primarily known for his involvement in the Great Train Robbery of 1963. This daring heist, which saw the theft of £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train, captivated the public and media alike. Biggs' subsequent escape from prison and years on the run only added to his notoriety, making him a household name and a symbol of audacious rebellion against authority.

Born in 1929 in Stockwell, London, Biggs led a life marked by crime, adventure, and infamy. His journey from a troubled youth to a notorious criminal mastermind is a tale filled with unexpected twists and turns. Throughout his life, Biggs managed to elude capture, living in various countries and even mocking the authorities who sought to bring him to justice. Despite his criminal activities, Biggs became a cult figure, often viewed with a mix of intrigue and admiration.

Biggs' life story is not just about the crime itself but also about his ability to evade the law and live on his terms. His exploits have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, contributing to his lasting legacy. In this article, we will delve deep into the life of Ronald Biggs, exploring his biography, the infamous train robbery, his escape and life on the run, and his eventual return to the UK. We'll also examine the media portrayal of Biggs and his impact on pop culture, providing a comprehensive understanding of this enigmatic figure.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Ronald Biggs
• Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
• The Great Train Robbery
• How Was the Great Train Robbery Planned and Executed?
• Aftermath of the Robbery
• Capture and Daring Escape
• Life on the Run
• How Did the Media Portray Ronald Biggs?
• Return to the United Kingdom
• Later Years and Health Decline
• Ronald Biggs in Popular Culture
• Legal Implications and Public Perception
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Biography of Ronald Biggs

Ronald Arthur Biggs was born on August 8, 1929, in Stockwell, London. His early life was marred by hardship and poverty, setting the stage for his eventual turn to crime. Despite his notoriety, Biggs was known to be a family man, having been married twice and fathering several children. His most famous son, Michael Biggs, became a musician in Brazil, where Biggs spent a significant portion of his life on the run.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Ronald Biggs grew up in a working-class family in London. He left school at the age of 14 with little education and few prospects, which led him to fall in with a group of petty criminals. His first brush with the law came soon after, marking the beginning of a life characterized by crime and rebellion.

In the late 1940s, Biggs served in the Royal Air Force but was dishonorably discharged for desertion. This event pushed him further into the criminal underworld, where he met Bruce Reynolds, the mastermind behind the Great Train Robbery. Together, they would orchestrate one of the most infamous heists in British history.

The Great Train Robbery

The Great Train Robbery took place on August 8, 1963, and remains one of the most famous robberies in history. The heist targeted the Royal Mail train traveling from Glasgow to London, which was carrying a large amount of cash. The robbers, led by Bruce Reynolds, meticulously planned the operation, which involved tampering with railway signals to stop the train at a remote location.

Ronald Biggs played a crucial role in the heist, though he was not the mastermind. His task was to help subdue the train's crew and assist in the transfer of the money. The gang made off with £2.6 million, equivalent to over £50 million today, making it one of the largest cash robberies of its time.

How Was the Great Train Robbery Planned and Executed?

The planning of the Great Train Robbery was thorough and meticulous, involving months of preparation. The gang consisted of 15 men, each with a specific role to play. They conducted numerous reconnaissance missions and had inside information about the train's schedule and contents.

The execution of the heist was equally daring. On the night of the robbery, the gang tampered with the railway signals, causing the train to stop at Bridego Bridge in Ledburn, Buckinghamshire. They overpowered the train's crew and used a human chain to transfer the money to their hideout at Leatherslade Farm, where they planned to lay low until the heat died down.

Aftermath of the Robbery

Following the robbery, the gang members went their separate ways, hoping to avoid capture. However, the police were quick to act, launching one of the largest manhunts in British history. Within weeks, several gang members were arrested, and the police recovered some of the stolen money.

Ronald Biggs was initially successful in evading capture, but his luck ran out in 1964 when he was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, Biggs had no intention of serving his full sentence and began plotting his escape almost immediately.

Capture and Daring Escape

Ronald Biggs' escape from Wandsworth Prison in 1965 is one of the most audacious prison breaks in history. With the help of a gang from the outside, Biggs scaled the prison wall using a rope ladder and jumped into a waiting van. The escape was well-planned, and Biggs managed to evade capture, becoming a fugitive on the run.

Life on the Run

After his escape, Ronald Biggs fled to France, where he underwent plastic surgery to change his appearance. From there, he traveled to Australia and eventually settled in Brazil, a country with no extradition treaty with the UK at the time. In Brazil, Biggs lived openly, even fathering a child, which prevented his extradition due to Brazilian law.

During his time on the run, Biggs became something of a celebrity, granting interviews to journalists and appearing in media reports. Despite efforts by British authorities to secure his return, Biggs remained free for decades, living a life of relative comfort and notoriety.

How Did the Media Portray Ronald Biggs?

The media portrayal of Ronald Biggs was a mix of fascination and controversy. While some viewed him as a folk hero who outsmarted the system, others saw him as a criminal who escaped justice. Biggs himself often played into his media image, granting interviews and making public appearances.

His story was covered extensively by newspapers, magazines, and television programs, contributing to his status as a cult figure. Documentaries, books, and films about the Great Train Robbery frequently featured Biggs, further cementing his place in popular culture.

Return to the United Kingdom

In 2001, after spending 36 years on the run, Ronald Biggs voluntarily returned to the UK. His decision was motivated by his declining health and a desire to spend his final years in his home country. Upon his return, he was arrested and sent back to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Biggs' return to the UK garnered significant media attention, with many questioning his motives and the timing of his decision. Despite his past, Biggs expressed no remorse for his involvement in the train robbery, maintaining that he had no regrets about his life choices.

Later Years and Health Decline

After returning to prison, Ronald Biggs' health continued to deteriorate. He suffered multiple strokes and other health issues, which eventually led to his release on compassionate grounds in 2009. Biggs spent his final years in a nursing home, where he remained until his death in 2013 at the age of 84.

Despite his frail condition, Biggs remained defiant and unapologetic about his past, often reflecting on his life with a sense of pride and humor. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy as one of Britain's most notorious criminals continues to endure.

Ronald Biggs in Popular Culture

Ronald Biggs' life and exploits have been immortalized in various forms of popular culture. His story has inspired numerous books, films, and television shows, each exploring different aspects of the Great Train Robbery and his life on the run.

Biggs himself embraced his celebrity status, appearing in music videos and collaborating with bands like the Sex Pistols. His larger-than-life persona and ability to evade capture made him a fascinating figure, capturing the imagination of people around the world.

Legal Implications and Public Perception

The legal implications of Ronald Biggs' actions were significant, with many questioning the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with high-profile cases. His escape and prolonged evasion of capture highlighted weaknesses in the system and prompted calls for reform.

Public perception of Biggs varied widely, with some viewing him as a criminal who deserved to be punished, while others saw him as a rebellious figure who challenged authority. His life story continues to spark debate about crime, punishment, and the nature of justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was Ronald Biggs?

Ronald Biggs was a British criminal best known for his involvement in the Great Train Robbery of 1963. He became infamous for his escape from prison and years spent on the run.

2. How much money was stolen in the Great Train Robbery?

The gang stole £2.6 million from the Royal Mail train, equivalent to over £50 million in today's currency.

3. How did Ronald Biggs escape from prison?

Biggs escaped from Wandsworth Prison in 1965 with the help of an outside gang. He scaled the prison wall using a rope ladder and fled in a waiting van.

4. Why did Ronald Biggs return to the UK?

Biggs returned to the UK in 2001 due to declining health and a desire to spend his final years in his home country. He was arrested upon arrival and sent back to prison.

5. Did Ronald Biggs ever express remorse for his crimes?

Biggs remained unapologetic about his involvement in the Great Train Robbery, often stating that he had no regrets about his life choices.

6. How did Ronald Biggs become a cultural icon?

Biggs' daring escape, years on the run, and defiant personality made him a fascinating figure in popular culture. His story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries.

Conclusion

Ronald Biggs' life was a saga of crime, evasion, and celebrity. His involvement in the Great Train Robbery and subsequent escape from justice captivated the public and media, making him a symbol of audacity and rebellion. Despite his criminal activities, Biggs became a cultural icon, with his story continuing to intrigue and inspire discussions about justice, punishment, and the nature of criminality. His legacy endures, reminding us of the complexities of human nature and the allure of a life lived on one's terms.