Sandy Gall, the iconic war correspondent for Independent Television News (ITN), has died at the age of 97 at his home in Penshurst, Kent. His daughter, Carlotta Gall, confirmed the news.
For nearly half a century, Gall graced British screens, both as a war reporter in conflict zones like Vietnam, Africa, and the Middle East, and as a reliable presenter on ITN’s “News at Ten.” He reported on significant historical moments, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the arrival of U.S. troops in Vietnam. One of the few journalists present during North Vietnamese tanks' entry into Saigon in 1975, he obtained crucial footage even while British diplomats fled.
In his later career, Gall became an expert on Afghanistan, chronicling the fight against Soviet forces in the 1980s. He authored six books on Afghanistan and established a charity for disabled Afghans, inspired by the resilience of its people.
His final publication, “Afghan Napoleon: The Life of Ahmad Shah Massoud,” a biography of the mujahedeen leader he respected, was released when he was 93 years old. Gall will be remembered for his unique voice and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth in the most challenging circumstances.
