Dedication

The Krays loved their Mum – so it would appear fitting to dedicate this book to my mother who, like Violet Kray, had the great satisfaction and undoubted immense irritation of raising twins.

Being a twin is a great privilege, but it is also a responsibility. I was often blamed for my brother’s misdemeanours – as he was for mine. In the end, though, it worked out even – although I am sure that my brother Rod would dispute that vehemently over a drink or two.

Violet took great pride in her twins, and her eldest son too – but Charlie Kray didn’t get many of the advantages, only the responsibilities. And could Charlie or his mum tell the twins apart?

Who is who – and who did what? Was it you, or you – or both of you? I can hear Violet calling to her twins, ‘Come here Ronnie/Reggie!’ I am sure all twins in the world can identify with that. And I am equally sure that all mothers of twins, no matter where they may be, understand the importance of being a twin.

So my mother is special, just as Violet called her twins ‘special’. In fact the whole twin relationship is something that needs further explanation and analysis and I have already attempted this in my book The Kray Files, also published by Mainstream Publishing. This biography, however, has not been designed to explain, but to present the facts and only the facts.

This one’s for you, Mum!

Dedicated to Mrs Rosetta Ellen Fry.