Lawrence of Arabia and………. Felixstowe.
Talk by Kim Smith on 8th October 2025.
Kim Smith returned to give us a fascinating talk on Lawrence of Arabia’s connection to a local area.
Thomas Edward “T.E.” Lawrence, famed as “Lawrence of Arabia,” is linked to Felixstowe because of his later service in the Royal Air Force (RAF). After his famous exploits in the Middle East during World War I, a publicity-shy Lawrence joined the RAF in 1925 under the assumed name T.E. Shaw. He was stationed at RAF Felixstowe, where his experience was vital in the development of fast rescue launches, which helped save lives following crashes of seaplanes from the base. This work was a continuation of his interest in marine craft, and his connection to Felixstowe is now being used to help preserve the historic former seaplane hangars. His work with these launches made him a pivotal figure in marine rescue technology.
Kim gave a well-researched talk on this enigmatic figure: a hermit and an exhibitionist with low self-esteem, blond, blue-eyed, arrogant yet shy. He showed steadfastness to duty and was a champion of the downtrodden. He died in 1935 and his funeral was attended by no less than Churchill, Augustus John and Siegfried Sassoon.
A fascinating glimpse into this monumental figure, Lawrence of Arabia.
Clare.
Photo of Lawrence of Arabia from 1931 (from picryl).