Ep 2. The Great Train Robbery

In the season 10 episode 2 of History's Mysteries, titled "The Great Train Robbery", viewers delve into one of the most infamous crimes in British history. This episode retraces the steps of the criminals who, in August 1963, pulled off a heist of exceptional size and complexity - the robbery of a Royal Mail train that was carrying millions of pounds.

The episode starts by taking the viewers back to that fateful day, when the robbers stopped the train in a remote part of Buckinghamshire and made off with sacks that contained £2.6 million in cash. The episode then explores the meticulous planning that went into the heist and the various techniques employed by the robbers to disarm the train's security measures.

The robbers, a group of 15 men, were experts in the field of robbing banks and postal vans. They had a carefully crafted plan that involved stopping the train and gaining access to the money-filled carriages. The robbers were able to disable the train's alarm system and used false signals to divert the train to a different track.

The episode then goes into detail about the aftermath of the robbery. It details how the criminals used various methods to evade the authorities, including changing their appearances, fleeing the country, and hiding out in underground bunkers. It describes the many twists and turns in the investigation, including the arrest of several suspects and the eventual conviction of most of the robbers.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to key figures in the investigation and their roles in solving the case. They are shown how the police utilized various technological advances, such as fingerprinting and more sophisticated forensic science to identify the suspects and build a solid case against them.

The episode also examines the social and cultural impact of the robbery. The event became a symbol of the era's youth rebellion, and the robbers were initially seen in a positive light as modern-day Robin Hoods. However, as the investigation progressed, the public's perception of the robbers changed, and they were seen as ruthless criminals who had stolen millions of pounds.

Overall, this episode of History's Mysteries provides a comprehensive overview of a crime that continues to fascinate people to this day. Through interviews with experts, fascinating archival footage, and cinematic reenactments, The Great Train Robbery offers a tantalizing glimpse into one of the most significant events in modern British history.