T.E. Lawrence

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.

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)

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

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.

"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)

• 1888: Born on August 16 in Tremadog, North Wales

• 1909: Goes on a three month walking tour of the castles of Syria

• 1915: Is an intelligence office in Cairo

• 1916: Awarded the French Legion d'Honneur on March 16

• 1916: Returns on November 25 to the Hejaz as temporary liaison officer with Faisal's troops

• 1917: The Arab Revolt begins

• 1918: In September Lawrence and Faisal's troops reach Damascus

• 1918: General Allenby arrives on October 4

• 1919: Attends Paris Peace Conference; first draft of Seven Pillars of Wisdom stolen

• 1920: Begins rewriting Seven Pillars of Wisdom

• 1922: Finishes Seven Pillars of Wisdom; joins RAF as 'J. H. Ross'.

• 1935: Retires from RAF on February 25

• 1935: Has a serious motorcycle accident on May 13.

• 1935: Dies on May 19.