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The Independent’s award-winning veteran war correspondent Kim Sengupta has posthumously been honoured with the prestigious Edgar Wallace Award for excellence in writing and journalism.
Mr Sengupta, who died in July at the age of 68, covered most of the main battlefronts over a career that spanned more than 40 years. He worked at the Daily Mail and Today before joining The Independent 27 years ago, becoming defence and diplomatic editor, and world affairs editor.
Other war correspondents from across the UK paid lavish tributes to his dedication, bravery and sense of humour following his death, as they remembered anecdotes from their times working with him in numerous countries, from Afghanistan to Somalia, and from the Balkans to Gaza.
Foreign secretary David Lammy remembered him as “brilliant and courageous”.
The honour was among this year’s awards announced by the London Press Club.
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, paid tribute to Mr Sengupta in front of the hushed hall.
He spoke of his fearlessness while reporting and his determination to be where the story was, no matter the danger.
When Mr Sengupta died, Mr Greig said the outpouring of sorrow was immense, adding: “Military chiefs and admirals sent their respects, the foreign secretary sent their respects, journalists from across the globe sent their respects.”
Mr Greig said when he first met Mr Sengupta in the 1980s he knew he was destined for great things.
Chris Stevenson, The Independent’s international editor, wrote in a tribute for the awards brochure: “Whether speaking to rebels or diplomats, injured citizens or prisoners, spies or soldiers, Kim would always capture the humanity at the root of every situation, and explain it to readers with a flourish.
“His sharp analysis was respected across the political, military and intelligence worlds, but also every reader who needed the complicated world we live in explained with clarity and a sense of purpose.
“His easy manner when on the frontline also made him a favourite among other correspondents. Kim was always ready with a joke no matter how grim the situation, while being more than happy to offer up his wisdom to those just starting out, or anyone that needed help or a kind word.”
He added: “The outpouring of admiration and affection that followed Kim’s passing was enormous.
“From readers praising his work and bravery to frontline colleagues waxing lyrical about his ability to get himself into (and then out of if needed) every important destination or conversation.”
Last year’s winner of the award for outstanding writing and journalism went to Day of the Jackal author Frederick Forsyth, for two decades of writing columns for the Express.
