Ronnie Biggs was born on August 8, 1929, in Lambeth, London, England. He grew up in a working-class family and attended local schools in London. Despite his humble beginnings, he had a knack for trouble from an early age.
Biggs got involved in petty crimes during his teenage years. His criminal activities escalated, and he found himself in trouble with the law on multiple occasions. In 1949, he joined the Royal Air Force but was dishonorably discharged shortly after for breaking into a local chemist's shop. This was just the beginning of Biggs' criminal career.
In 1963, Biggs became notorious for his involvement in the Great Train Robbery, one of the most infamous heists in British history. The gang, led by Bruce Reynolds, planned and executed the robbery of a Royal Mail train carrying millions of pounds. Biggs played a crucial role in the operation, helping to stop the train and secure the money.
After the robbery, Biggs went into hiding with his family. They traveled to various countries, including Paris, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, to evade capture. Biggs became a fugitive, constantly looking over his shoulder and living a life on the run akin to the notorious bank robber Clyde Barrow.
Despite his criminal activities, Biggs was a family man. He married his second wife, Raimunda de Castro, in 2003. Before that, he had four sons from his previous marriage to Charmian Powell. Biggs tried to provide for his family through his criminal exploits, but ultimately, his life of crime caught up with him.
In 1969, Biggs was finally arrested in Rio de Janeiro. He was extradited back to the UK, where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the Great Train Robbery. However, Biggs managed to escape from prison in 1965 and fled to Australia, where he lived for several years before being recaptured and sent back to the UK.
Biggs' health deteriorated over the years, and he suffered several strokes that left him partially paralyzed. Despite his poor health, he remained a controversial figure, with some seeing him as a folk hero and others as a criminal who got what he deserved. Biggs' legacy is complex, with his involvement in the Great Train Robbery overshadowing the rest of his life.
Ronnie Biggs passed away on December 18, 2013, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy of infamy and notoriety, forever remembered as one of the key players in the Great Train Robbery. His life story continues to fascinate and intrigue, a tale of crime, escape, and redemption that will never be forgotten.