We have all heard of the Kray's and the Richardson's, but Billy Howard? Apparently this individual became a powerful figure on the London underground scene, an incredible achievement bearing in mind that he didn't run a gang, and was effectively a loner. Written by his son, who was raised by a stepfather and never knew his father until later in life, this looks at how he made a small patch of London his own.
So how did one man achieve such power and yet remain in the background? The book reveals that Howard didn't court publicity such as the aforementioned gangsters and wherever possible used close links with the police and witness intimidation to keep out of Jail. Strangely the earlier statements seem contradicted in the very first chapter 'Find Billy Howard' in which he is seen both talking to reporters, and having some boys hanging around. This chapter is mainly about police corruption in Brighton in the late fifties and corruption from both this and other forces is a common theme in the book.
Howard made his mark with violence. After overcoming ricketts as a child and becoming a more than handy boxer he operated protection racketts in West end clubs and eventually cracked the goldmine of the racing circuits. Later there were to be casino's on ferries and even body disposal for the Kray's. Although never officially the owner of any establishment he used a number of close associates, often women to own clubs etc for him. His ability to mediate fairly between various factions also helped with his reputation.
Connor has used interviews and reconstructed events to the best of his ability. Considering the amount of violence, usually with knives or razors there are few actual deaths here. A reputation for violence often allows a criminal to coerce without ever having to carry through, and most of the action taking place seems to be between criminals.
More familiar names such as Lord Louis Mountbatten and John Aspinall crop up as well as Ronnie Knight, Harry H Corbett and even Lord Lucan.
Slang is often used and there is a glossary for all of us who don't know what a Spieler or a Cozzer or even a Brewster session is.
The real surprise here is the extent of police corruption, which is referred to in a matter of fact way, an everyday affair. Of Billy Howard, he is neither portrayed as hero or arch villain, just as a man with a particular flair. That this was for intimidation isn't glossed over, and we get a warts and all portrait. The author is also quick to point out that like many in this line of work they often finish up flat broke, having seen huge sums pass through their hands.