Over the years we've all come to know the infamous Kray twins thanks to different documentaries and films.
Most recently Tom Hardy depicted both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in the film Legend, which showed the rise and fall of the notorious gangsters, based on John Pearson's book, The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins.
The pair were feared across London in the 1950s and '60s as part of 'The Firm'. They were known for their upfront, no bullshit confrontations - solving matters in any way they saw fit.
Most notably, they brutally murdered Jack 'The Hat' McVitie. The Hat was a part of the Krays gang, who had allegedly been paid £1,500 upfront to kill a rival. At the time, McVitie was also a notorious drug trafficker and often committed crimes on behalf of The Krays.
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On this occasion, he was unsuccessful on his mission. He made his way to the target's house, and while dependent on drugs, knocked on Leslie Payne's door. His wife answered, telling the balding assassin her husband wasn't home. That, was basically that. McVitie left the house, keeping the money he was paid despite not finishing the job.
To get their revenge, the Krays showed up to a party in Stoke Newington, where The Hat eventually arrived. The Krays' plan was for Reggie to shoot him there and then, but his gun jammed. Ronnie then bear hugged Jack, while Reggie stabbed him in his face, neck and torso numerous times. At one point, his liver reportedly came out of his body and had to be flushed down the toilet.
Jack 'The Hat' McVitie
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If that's not enough to tell you how savage the twins were, then I don't know what is. However, it was also in close combat that they were both equally dangerous.
Both Ronnie and Reggie were handy boxers, having turned pro at the age of 19, so it was never a good idea to get into a scrap with either of them. It was said, though, that Reggie had the power to break someone's jaw with one punch.
The nightclub owner reportedly perfected the 'cigarette punch', which sees you take someone by surprise, punching them as they're lighting a cigarette.
Apparently, he'd offer a rival a cigarette in an attempt to make the situation look friendly. He'd offer the bine directly to their mouth, and while they're guard was down, rummaging in their pocket for a lighter, he'd sock them a deadly right hook, breaking their relaxed and open jaw.
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I've never been in any kind of confrontation with a gangster, but I reckon accepting any kind of gift from them is number one on the list of 'Things You Should Never Do When A Gangster Wants To Knock You Out'.
Ronnie and Reggie Kray during their amateur boxing careers. Credit: PA
I know it was a long time ago, but what exactly constituted as a decent time to have a sociable cig break? These days it's after a few pints, out in the smoking area where any topics of discussion from football, to nip slips, to Yorkshire puddings, is acceptable. Back then, apparently warming up for a scrap consisted to offering your opponent a bifter.
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Today is the day both Reggie and Ronnie would have turned 83. Is it okay to wish them happy birthday? I suppose they were entrepreneurs, in a sense, but that entrepreneurial prowess came from frightening people into business, and putting bodies six feet under.
Featured image credit: PA
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