Hi Pam,

A lot of the other people on the train made statements after the robbery, these statements are in the National Archives at Kew. I have copies of all these, if you let me know your relation's name I will see if he is amongst them,

(The Great train Robbery is a hobby of mine! www.crimecollection.com)

All the best

David

Hi David
Thanks for your reply. My relatives name was William Knaggs.
My cousin seems to remember him being in the local newspaper in Surrey. She remembers he was injured, but she is nearly 90 now and memories are a bit blurred! She would love to find out, as would I, if her memories are playing tricks on her? If you could help, I would be greatful, Thanks
Pam

Hi Pam,

I have just been through all the files and sadly your relative does not show up anywhere.

That fact doesn't mean he wasn't on the train but makes it unlikely he was injured in any way. The front half of the train was decoupled from the rear and moved around a mile down the track. Everyone on the front half made statements, none of them by that name. There were around sixty postal sorters left behind in the other carriages but only a few made statements, again no-one of that name but he could have been in those carriages.

The post Office may have archives that would list him.

I doubt he was injured if he was in any way connected as the Police made a huge deal out of the coshing of Jack Mills (the driver) in an attempt to paint as black a picture as possible of the robbers to destroy the public perception that they were heroes. If any one else had been injured (even slightly) I am sure we would all have known about it.

I know Bruce Reynolds (who organised it)well. He is actually the loveliest guy anyone could hope to meet, far more honest than the thieves who now run the country!