Ludovic Henry Coverley Kennedy was a British journalist, broadcaster, and author. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde in 1985 and also held similar posts at the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling. He was knighted in 1994 for services to journalism.He was a member of the crew of the British destroyer HMS Tartar that took part in the pursuit and destruction of the German battleship Bismarck in May of 1941. 'Sub-Lieutenant' (1942) told of his naval experiences and 'Pursuit' (1974) told of the sinking of the Bismarck.He undertook many campaigns on behalf of people who had been wrongly convicted of murder, including Derek Bentley and Timothy Evans and also wrote an account of the trial of Stephen Ward following the Profumo affair. He also wrote an account of the murders at Ten Rillington Place.He married actress Moira Shearer (1926-2006) on 25 February 1950 and the couple had four children. He died of pneumonia at Salisbury, Wiltshire on 18 October 2009.
Sir Ludovic has been awarded honorary degrees by the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Stirling.
A joint portrait of Ludovic Kennedy and Moira Shearer , by the Israeli artist Avigdor Arikha , is now part of the permanent collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Sir Ludo was knighted in 1994
Has publicly supported the idea of euthanasia, and fallen out of favor with the established political parties who do not support the view.
Has called for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Was impersonated by Eric Idle on "Monty Pythons Flying Circus" and by Henry McGee on "The Benny Hill Show"
Son-in-law of Harold V. King.
He was a member of the crew of the British destroyer HMS Tartar when that ship took part in the pursuit and destruction of the German battleship Bismarck in May of 1941. He later wrote a book on the subject.
He undertook many campaigns on behalf of people who had been wrongly convicted of murder, including Derek Bentley and Timothy Evans. In many cases, his efforts were vindicated.
Had 4 children, Ailsa Margaret Kennedy (born August 11, 1952), Rachel Katherine Kennedy (born November 16, 1956), Fiona Jane Kennedy (born December 20, 1961) and Alastair Charles Coverley Kennedy (born February 10, 1963), with his wife, Moira Shearer.
Brother-in-law of Royce Ryton.
