Meaning: Ronald Biggs was a notorious figure in British criminal history, known for his involvement in the Great Train Robbery of 1963. The quote you've provided offers insight into Biggs' motivations and role in the infamous heist.

The Great Train Robbery was one of the most audacious and infamous crimes of the 20th century. On August 8, 1963, a gang of robbers, including Biggs, stopped the Glasgow to London Royal Mail train and made off with a then-record haul of £2.6 million (equivalent to over £50 million today). Biggs was a key member of the gang and played a crucial role in the planning and execution of the robbery.

In the quote, Biggs admits his involvement in the robbery and provides a glimpse into his motive for participating. He states that he was involved for a purpose, specifically because he knew someone who could drive a diesel train. This sheds light on the premeditated nature of the crime and the specific skills and connections that each member of the gang brought to the operation.

Biggs also mentions being responsible for taking along an "old guy" who could drive the train. This likely refers to Bruce Reynolds, the mastermind behind the robbery, who had the knowledge and expertise to carry out the train heist. Biggs' acknowledgment of his responsibility for including the train driver highlights the level of organization and planning that went into the crime.

The quote offers a glimpse into the mindset of Biggs and the other members of the gang. It underscores the calculated nature of their actions and the lengths to which they were willing to go to pull off the robbery. It also raises questions about Biggs' moral and ethical considerations at the time, as he openly admits to his role in the crime without apparent remorse.

After the robbery, Biggs fled the UK and went on the run, eventually settling in Brazil. He became a notorious fugitive, living a flamboyant and high-profile lifestyle while evading capture. His defiance and brazen attitude made him a tabloid celebrity, and he became a symbol of rebellion and anti-authoritarianism to many.

Biggs' involvement in the Great Train Robbery and his subsequent life as a fugitive captured the public imagination and turned him into a legendary figure. His notoriety was further fueled by his eventual capture and extradition to the UK, as well as his later escape from prison and life on the run.

In conclusion, the quote from Ronald Biggs provides a glimpse into the mindset and motivations of a key figure in one of the most famous crimes in British history. It sheds light on the calculated planning and specific skills that were brought to bear in the Great Train Robbery, as well as the lasting impact and fascination that the crime and its participants have had on popular culture.