Bathurst Benjamin Ludlow

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Biografie:
Benjamin Ludlow Bathurst, Viscount Bledisloe (1899-1979)
Ben Bathurst died within a few days of his 80th birthday whilst strolling in his garden at Lydney Park with a friend. Few who did not know him well would have guessed his Age from his youthful manner and appearance. He and I were at Oxford after the First World War, where, amongst other activities, he rowed for 2 years in a Magdalen boat of legendary reputation, and it was parties of his rowing
friends that he took to stay at the Royal Hotel, Capel Curig for climbing on Tryfan and the Glyders.
He was immensely fond of climbing and skiing in the Alps, particularly the St Moritz area, where for some years he was President of the St Moritz Tobogganing Club. He also won the Curzon Cup on the Cresta Run. In the years between 1928 and 1938 we climbed together in the Alps almost every year, including the Meije, Requin, Peigne, Obergabelhorn and Langkofel amongst others, a number of Dolomite peaks being reached by Ben flying my wife and myself out to Innsbruck in his small aeroplane.
Flying was only one of his many interests, and he was a Senior Commander of Transport Auxiliary in World War Two. In his mid-70's he took a helicopter to near the- top of Monte Rosa and skied down to Zermatt. He was a skilled photographer and gardener, and also connoisseur of wine. This latter undoubtedly helped in his position as Senior Trustee of the Garrick Club, an appointment he much enjoyed.
When I first met him he was at the Chancery Bar, where his professional life was spent in a distinguished and most successful practice, first as a junior and for the last 25 years as a Queen's Counsel until his retirement in 1976. He was a Bencher of Lincoln's Inn for 23 years and was much loved by his fellow Benchers. As an advocate at the Bar, he brought a commonsense approach to the problem in hand and the capacity to relate that approach to the intricacies of the law. In the House of Lords he made contributions to legislative criticism.
All his skills and all his learning in so many fields were, however, concealed by his quiet modesty and charm, so thal anyone who did not know him could be forgiven for almost being unaware that they exisled. With him I spent the happiest days among mountains I have ever known. He was a wonderful friend.
Herbert R. C. Carr
Quelle: Alpine Journal Volume 85, 1980, Seite 259

Geboren am:
1899
Gestorben am:
1979