Remembering Dame Ann Leslie: A Trailblazing Foreign Correspondent’s Journey

Dame Ann Leslie, a trailblazing foreign correspondent and freelance contributor, has passed away at the age of 82. She is best known for her work on the Daily Mail and her reporting on significant events such as the Cold War, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. Born in 1941 in what is now modern-day Pakistan, she spent her early childhood in pre-partition India before returning to Britain at the age of nine.

After completing her studies in English at Oxford University, she began her journalism career at the Daily Express in the early 1960s. Throughout her remarkable career, Dame Ann reported from over 70 countries, often finding herself in perilous situations while covering some of the most notorious events in modern history. She worked for various Fleet Street papers and covered high-profile trials such as those of Charles Manson and OJ Simpson, as well as the historic release of Nelson Mandela from prison. In her interviews, she had the opportunity to speak with notable figures like Muhammad Ali and the King, garnering admiration and respect for her insightful journalism.

A Trailblazing Career

Dame Ann’s contributions to journalism earned her numerous accolades, including being named the British Press Awards Feature Writer of the Year in 1981 and 1989. Reflecting on her career, she stated, “I don’t talk about great achievements – it’s just the old thing about journalism being the first rough draft of history.” She recounted some of her most memorable moments, including being present in East Berlin when the wall came down and witnessing Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Despite facing personal danger, she dedicated herself to reporting from the Middle East, even sharing that she had been shot at during her time in Salvador.

A Tribute to Dame Ann

Dame Ann’s impact extended beyond her professional accomplishments. Her undeniable tenacity and devotion to journalism left a lasting impression on those who knew her. In an anecdote shared by the late Queen, Dame Ann’s incredible 40-year career was met with admiration, with the Queen remarking on her stamina. Her passing marks the end of an era in foreign correspondence, but her legacy will continue to inspire aspiring journalists for years to come.

Remembering Dame Ann

Dame Ann Leslie leaves behind her husband, Michael Fletcher, and her daughter, Katharine. While her presence will be sorely missed, her contribution to the field of journalism will not be forgotten. She pioneered a path for female foreign correspondents and left an indelible mark on the world of reporting. Her firsthand accounts of major global events have helped shape our understanding of history, and her dedication to seeking the truth serves as a reminder of the importance of unbiased and courageous journalism.