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• As a lieutenant-colonel in the British army, T.E. Lawrence served as a liaison during the Arab revolt. His public image comes largely from the writings of American journalist Lowell Thomas, his autobiographical book Seven Pillars of Wisdom and the David Lean film Lawrence of Arabia.

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: Thomas Edward Lawrence
  2. AKA: T.E. Shaw, J.H. Ross, Lawrence of Arabia
  3. Born: August 16, 1888
  4. Died: May 19, 1935
  5. Awards: Legion d'honneur, Order of the Bath
  6. Winston Churchill attended his funeral
  7. Corresponded with George Bernard Shaw, E.M Forster, Robert Graves

• Arab Revolt

  Lawrence fought with Arab irregular troops against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. His primary Arab contact and friend was Emir Feisal, the son of the Grand Sharif of Mecca. Lawrence convinced the Arabs to coordinate their revolt so that it helped British interests in the region. It was reported that he "went native" during the revolt, adopting many Arab customs.World Net Daily: the Real Lawrence of Arabia (August 6, 2000)

• Controversy

  There has been debate among scholars about the validity and reliability of Lawrence's writings. For example, it has been alleged that Lawrence made up the supposed rape at Deraa.University of Texas: lawrence of Arabia There have also been questions about the nature of his relationship with a young Arab, Selim Ahmed, who may have been the "SA" Lawrence referred to in his writings.PBS: Dahoum

• Unexpected Legacy

  One of Lawrence's doctors, Sir Hugh Cairns, became interested in the use of motorcycle helmets due to Lawrence's death. After attending to Lawrence, he began to research the issue and became a strong advocate for helmets. His research was responsible for the use of helmets by both military and civilian riders. As a result, Lawrence's death ultimately affected millions.

• Quotes

  "I've been and am absurdly over-estimated. There are no supermen and I'm quite ordinary, and will say so whatever the artistic results. In that point I'm one of the few people who tell the truth about myself."— T.E. LawrenceTIME: The Hero Our Century Deserved (May 15, 1989)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  World War I | Winston Churchill

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