Gentle Johnny Ramensky: The Extraordinary True Story of the Safe Blower Who Became a War Hero

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Wearing only his underpants, Ramensky fled his Peterhead cell and even swam across a freezing river before being discovered in Aberdeen a few days later. Even in his late 60s, when he might have been collecting his pension and thinking about winding down, he was otherwise engaged, serving a one-year sentence after being caught on a shop roof in Ayr. While in Barlinnie Prison he first became known to the wider Scottish public in July 1931 when he climbed a 60ft drainpipe from the recreation hall and gave a gymnastics display on the roof.

In 1967, aged 62, he staged a bank job on the night safe at the National Commercial - now the Royal Bank of Scotland - in Main Street, Rutherglen. Whatever the reason, the year after his release, now aged 20, he was in more bother. Appearing in court under the name Johnny Ramensky for the first time, he was sentenced to 18 months for a string of 16 robberies in the West End and South Side of Glasgow.Ramensky's strong code of ethics, his daring feats during World War II and his charisma despite his criminal record have earned him in a place in the history books. A sergeant took over and succeeded in getting the van in position. But a number of young children were being crushed, close to the vehicle, and because of the danger, the van was driven to the front of the building and reversed against the front door.

Others were more sceptical. As one local resident told the P&J: “He must have been holed up somewhere. He canna live off neeps for nine days!” On the contrary, he said with a pleading voice: “I’ve got a wee grandson, but I have never seen him.A huge manhunt was mounted, and he was caught the following day, having travelled 22 miles in foot, Roddy McMillan, noted Scottish actor, wrote Ramensky Must Go Free sometimes given as Let Ramensky Go. [4] [8] Further reading [ edit ] Rumours persist to this day that some loot plundered by Ramensky included a treasure trove of artwork, jewellery and gold which ended tip in a military storage deport in Carfin, Lanarkshire.