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Lawrence of Arabia's Secret Life as RAF Recruit
14 Dec
Summary
- TE Lawrence sought anonymity serving as a humble RAF aircraftman.
- He found peace riding his motorcycle on Lincolnshire's rural roads.
- Lawrence felt betrayed by Britain's secret deal dividing the Arab world.
Following his celebrated role in World War One, TE Lawrence, known globally as Lawrence of Arabia, deliberately sought a life away from fame. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force as a humble aircraftman, serving under the alias TE Shaw in Lincolnshire during the 1920s. This period offered him a sought-after anonymity and peace, which he found through his passion for riding his Brough Superior motorcycle on the region's roads.
Lawrence's decision to join the RAF stemmed from exhaustion and a sense of betrayal regarding Britain's post-war agreements concerning the Arab world. He found contentment in the quiet life, often riding from RAF Cranwell to Lincoln. His time offered him spare hours for solitary pursuits, writing, and enjoying the Lincolnshire scenery, a stark contrast to his wartime heroics.
Despite his efforts to remain inconspicuous, Lawrence's identity was eventually discovered. His time in Lincolnshire, however, was a period he cherished for its camaraderie and the freedom he experienced. His later life saw him retire to Dorset before a tragic motorcycle accident ended his life, leaving behind a legacy as enigmatic as his pursuit of humble anonymity.
