The Great Train Robbery – Ian Boskett
RCTS – West Midlands Branch Meeting Report
15th September 2025
On Monday 15th September 2025 our speaker was Ian Boskett who presentied ‘The Great Train Robbery’ of 1963.
In the early hours of 8th August 1963 a gang of at least 15 men stopped and attacked the Glasgow to London (Euston) mail train (TPO) near Leighton Buzzard (Sears Crossing / Bridego Bridge) in Buckinghamshire. They made off with 120 mail sacks containing almost £2.6 million (£50+ million in today’s money). This was a huge amount of money in those days and was believed to have been the biggest robbery of all time.
Having described the basic facts Ian went on to tell us the full story including much information that he has amassed after years of research. Ian brought an original colour light signal with which he demonstrated how they managed to change the colour from green to red. Also included were the names and backgrounds of all those involved including members of the police. Ian added numerous facts and anecdotes that have come to light over the last 60 years.
We thanked Ian for his most interesting and factual talk enthralling the large gathering kicking-off our 2025/2026 season.