Moreton

“Lawrence of Arabia fights for his life” ran the headline in the “Dorset County Chronicle” of May 16th, 1935. A charismatic figure who had played a key part in the events surrounding the First World War had come off his motorcycle on the way to his Dorset home from Bovington Camp. The headline was replaced the next week with: “Dorset village grave for Lawrence.” The saga was over. Countless books have been written about him, amid speculation that a mysterious car was involved.

According to the “Chronicle”, for a week the whole world had its eyes on the camp near Moreton, where Lawrence, a brilliant military strategist known more recently as Mr T.E. Shaw, lay at death’s door. Distinguished statesmen inquiring about him included Mr. (later Sir) Winston Churchill. Calls came in from all over the country and abroad.

The funeral was attended by peers, politicians, diplomats, distinguished soldiers, writers, artists and foreign emissaries, together with local villagers and private soldiers and gunners who had served with Lawrence in his famous campaigns in the Arabian desert. The Royal Air Force, in which he also served, was represented. The King and Queen were among hundreds who sent messages of sympathy.… A verdict of accidental death had been returned.

Lawrence loved motorcycling, travelled to and from London and explored parts of England on his machine. As King George V wrote: “His name will live in history. ”The King recognised in a telegram “his distinguished services to his country.”