Clare Hollingworth, English journalist (b. 1911)

Clare Hollingworth (10 October 1911 – 10 January 2017) was an extraordinary English journalist and author, widely celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to war reporting. Her career, spanning several decades, was defined by a relentless pursuit of truth from the world's most dangerous fronts, cementing her legacy as a pioneering figure in journalism.

The "Scoop of the Century": Reporting the Outbreak of World War II

In 1939, as Europe teetered on the brink of war, Clare Hollingworth, a rookie reporter for *The Daily Telegraph*, delivered what would become known as "the scoop of the century." Initially in Poland assisting Jewish refugees, she was quickly hired by the newspaper. While en route from Katowice, Poland, to Germany on August 28, 1939, Hollingworth noticed a massive build-up of German military forces, including tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles, massed along the Polish border. This observation was highly significant, as it contradicted prevailing diplomatic assurances that war was not imminent.

Demonstrating remarkable journalistic acumen and courage, Hollingworth verified her discovery. She crossed the border back into Poland, borrowed a car from a British diplomat, and drove alongside the border, lowering a linen curtain in the vehicle to obscure her view until she could secretly observe the vast German military presence through a gap. Her immediate report to *The Daily Telegraph* led to the sensational headline: "1,000 tanks massed on Polish border," published on August 29, 1939. Just three days later, on September 1, 1939, Hollingworth was again the first to report the actual German invasion of Poland, witnessing the initial advance of German tanks across the frontier. This timely and accurate reporting provided crucial intelligence and confirmed the start of World War II, demonstrating her unparalleled ability to be at the forefront of global events.

A Distinguished Career in War Correspondence

Hollingworth's initial scoop was merely the beginning of an illustrious career as a foreign correspondent. She continued to report extensively on World War II, covering conflicts and major global events for various publications, including *The Economist*, *The Guardian*, and *Newsweek*. Her assignments took her to some of the most volatile regions of the world, from the civil war in Algeria and the Vietnam War to conflicts in the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and the political upheavals in China during the Cultural Revolution. She was known for her intrepid spirit, often operating closer to the front lines than many of her male counterparts, and her fearless approach earned her respect across the industry.

Recognition and Enduring Legacy

For her extraordinary "services to journalism," Clare Hollingworth was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982. This prestigious award formally recognized her immense contributions to reporting and her bravery in challenging environments. Hollingworth’s career broke significant barriers, inspiring generations of journalists, particularly women, to pursue roles in foreign and war correspondence, fields traditionally dominated by men. Her dedication to factual reporting and her willingness to put herself in harm's way to deliver the truth remain a testament to the highest ideals of journalism.

Later Life and Passing

Clare Hollingworth lived a remarkably long and full life, continuing to work and travel well into her later years. She spent the final four decades of her life living in Hong Kong, where she remained active and continued to follow global events with keen interest. She passed away peacefully on January 10, 2017, at the remarkable age of 105, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as one of the most significant and influential war correspondents of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clare Hollingworth

When did Clare Hollingworth report the outbreak of World War II?

Clare Hollingworth first reported the massing of German forces on the Polish border on August 28, 1939, a report published by *The Daily Telegraph* on August 29, 1939. She then reported the actual German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, officially marking the start of World War II.

What made Clare Hollingworth's report on WWII so significant?

Her report was significant because it was the first concrete, verified account of German military readiness for invasion, contradicting diplomatic assurances of peace. It was nicknamed "the scoop of the century" due to its accuracy and its role in revealing the imminent start of the global conflict.

How did Clare Hollingworth verify the presence of German tanks?

After initially spotting the forces from her car, she returned to Poland, borrowed a car from a British diplomat, and drove parallel to the border. She discreetly observed the vast numbers of tanks and military vehicles through a gap in a lowered curtain within the vehicle, confirming her initial sighting.

What other conflicts did Clare Hollingworth cover?

Beyond World War II, Clare Hollingworth covered numerous major global conflicts and political events, including the Algerian Civil War, the Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and the Cultural Revolution in China.

What recognition did Clare Hollingworth receive for her journalism?

In 1982, Clare Hollingworth was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her outstanding "services to journalism."