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2024-05-07 08:28:32

T. E. Lawrence

British archaeologist and army officer
British archaeologist and army officer
T. E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, played a key role in the Arab Revolt and Sinai and Palestine Campaign during WWI. He authored 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' and served in the RAF until his death in 1935.
1888-08-15
Birth of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, was born as Thomas Edward Lawrence in Tremadoc, North Wales. He was the second son of Thomas Chapman and Sarah Judder, who assumed the surname Lawrence.
1888-08-16
Birth of Thomas Edward Lawrence
Thomas Edward Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, is born in Tremadog, North Wales.
1896
Family's Move to 2 Polstead Road in Oxford
In the summer of 1896, the Lawrence family moved to 2 Polstead Road in Oxford, where they resided until 1921. This period in Oxford was formative for Thomas Edward Lawrence during his upbringing.
1906
Lawrence and Beeson's Antiquarian Activities
Lawrence and his schoolfriend Cyril Beeson cycled around Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, studying parish churches' monuments and making rubbings of their brasses. They presented their findings to the Ashmolean Museum, being praised for securing valuable antiquarian items.
1907-08
Lawrence's Solo Cycling Expedition in France
Lawrence cycled 2,200 miles through France to the Mediterranean and back, researching French castles. This expedition contributed to his fascination with medieval architecture and history.
1909-06-01
T. E. Lawrence's Visit to Syria and Palestine
In 1909, T. E. Lawrence visited Syria and Palestine after studying at Oxford University.
1910-12
T. E. Lawrence Joins Archaeological Dig in Syria
In December 1910, T. E. Lawrence joined an archaeological dig in Syria, where he would stay until 1914 and learn Arabic.
1912
Lawrence's Collaboration with Flinders Petrie in Egypt
Lawrence briefly worked with Flinders Petrie at Kafr Ammar in Egypt, gaining further experience in archaeological excavations and research.
1914-12-01
T. E. Lawrence's Stay in Syria
In December 1914, T. E. Lawrence continued his stay in Syria, where he was involved in archaeological activities and further immersed himself in Arabic culture.
1914-12-15
Joining the Arab Bureau Intelligence Unit
In December 1914, T. E. Lawrence was summoned by Lieutenant Commander David Hogarth to join the Arab Bureau intelligence unit in Cairo. This marked the beginning of Lawrence's involvement in military intelligence activities during World War I, where he played a crucial role in liaising with Arab leaders and advocating for British interests in the region.
1915
Publication of The Wilderness of Zin
In 1915, T.E. Lawrence and Sir Leonard Woolley published The Wilderness of Zin, a scholarly study resulting from their exploration in northern Sinai. The publication held both scientific and strategic value.
1916-05-01
Negotiation for British Force Release
On May 1, 1916, T. E. Lawrence was sent to Mesopotamia for negotiations to secure the release of a British force that was surrounded by Turkish forces.
1916-05-30
Lawrence awarded Knight of the Legion of Honour (France)
On May 30, 1916, T. E. Lawrence was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour by France for his contributions.
1916-10-16
T.E. Lawrence's arrival in Jeddah
T.E. Lawrence arrived in Jeddah on October 16, 1916, describing the intense heat of Arabia as a drawn sword. This marked the beginning of his involvement in the Arab revolt against the Turks.
1917-07-01
Massacre at Aba el Lissan
On the night of July 1, 1917, a Turkish force of 550 soldiers camping in Aba el Lissan was virtually wiped out by Arab forces led by Lawrence, with only two Arab casualties. The battle resulted in the path being cleared for Lawrence and his men to rush on for Aqaba.
1917-07-06
Capture of Aqaba
Lawrence proposed a joint action with Arab irregulars and forces to capture the strategically located town of Aqaba on the Red Sea. The expedition led by Sharif Nasir of Medina successfully took Aqaba after a surprise overland attack.
1917-08-07
Lawrence appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath
On August 7, 1917, T. E. Lawrence was appointed as a Companion of the Order of the Bath for his services.
1917-11-20
Capture and Assault in Dera'a
While reconnoitring Dera'a in disguise, Lawrence was captured by the Ottoman military, beaten, and sexually assaulted by the local bey and his guardsmen. The incident had significant psychological effects on Lawrence.
1917-12-09
Moving in
After capturing Aqaba, Lawrence and his forces continued their military campaign.
1918-04-16
Lawrence awarded Croix de guerre (France)
On April 16, 1918, T. E. Lawrence was awarded the Croix de guerre by France for his acts of bravery.
1918-05-01
Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel
Lawrence was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
1918-05-10
Lawrence appointed Companion of the Distinguished Service Order
On May 10, 1918, T. E. Lawrence was appointed as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of his achievements.
1918-09-26
Capture of Damascus
T.E. Lawrence, an intelligence officer, played a key role in aiding the Arabian army of Hussein's son Faisal during the capture of Damascus in 1918.
1918-09-27
Massacre at Tafas
On September 27, 1918, T.E. Lawrence ordered his men to give 'no quarter' to the fleeing Turks at the village of Tafas, resulting in the rebels slaughtering a retreating column of 4,000 individuals. Lawrence's actions that day were described as brutal and explicit in his battlefield report and in Seven Pillars.
1918-10-01
Entry of Damascus
Lawrence and the Arab troops marched alongside General Sir Edmund Allenby's forces when they entered Damascus on 1 October 1918, marking a significant moment in the Arab Revolt.
1918-10-03
Resignation of T. E. Lawrence from Arab Army
T. E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, resigned from his position in the Arab Army on 3 October 1918 in Damascus. He adopted Arab dress for practical reasons and due to his strong identification with the Arab people.
1918-10-30
King George V offers knighthood to Lawrence
On October 30, 1918, King George V offered a knighthood to T. E. Lawrence for his services in the Arab Revolt, which Lawrence declined due to his country's betrayal of the Arabs.
1919-05-11
Paris Peace Conference
During the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Lawrence advocated for the Arab cause but was dissatisfied with the final outcome.
1919-05-17
Lawrence survives plane crash
On 17 May 1919, Lawrence survived a plane crash in Roma-Centocelle while being taken to Egypt. The pilot and co-pilot died, but Lawrence survived with injuries.
1919-07-31
Lawrence's Demobilization
On July 31, 1919, Lawrence was demobilized as a lieutenant colonel, marking the official end of his military service after his intense involvement in the Arab Revolt and World War I.
1920-05-11
Writing Book
In 1920, Lawrence continued working on his book 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom'.
1921-05-21
Lawrence's Regret on Bureaucratic Work
In a letter to Robert Graves on May 21, 1921, Lawrence expressed regret about his bureaucratic work at the Colonial Office, stating that he felt locked up and that sequels are rotten things.
1922-05-01
Enrolling in Royal Air Force
Lawrence enlisted in the Royal Air Force under the name Ross in 1922.
1923-02
Forced Out of RAF
In February 1923, T. E. Lawrence was forced out of the Royal Air Force after his true identity was revealed.
1925-08
Rejoined RAF
In August 1925, T. E. Lawrence was readmitted to the Royal Air Force after repeatedly petitioning to rejoin.
1926-12
Assigned to British India
In late 1926, T. E. Lawrence was assigned to bases in Karachi and Miramshah in British India (now Pakistan) after the publication of Revolt in the Desert.
1927-03
Publication of Revolt in the Desert
An abridged version of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, started in 1926 by T. E. Lawrence, was published in March 1927 in limited and trade editions. Lawrence undertook a publicity exercise to promote the book, which became a best-seller.
1928
Forced to Return to Britain
By the end of 1928, T. E. Lawrence was forced to return to Britain due to rumors of his involvement in espionage activities.
1930
Chingford Land
In 1930, Lawrence's hut in Chingford was removed when the land was acquired by the Chingford Urban District Council.
1931
Private Napoleon Meek character in Too True to Be Good
Private Napoleon Meek in George Bernard Shaw's 1931 play Too True to Be Good was inspired by Lawrence. Meek is depicted as conversant with the language and lifestyle of the native tribes. He repeatedly enlists with the army, quitting whenever offered a promotion.
1935-05-06
Retirement from the military
In 1935, at the age of 46, T.E. Lawrence decided to retire from the military, which was the only 'family' he had known for 20 years. This decision filled him with uncertainty about his future.
1935-05-13
Lawrence's Fatal Motorcycle Accident
On May 13, 1935, T. E. Lawrence was fatally injured in an accident on his Brough Superior SS100 motorcycle in Dorset, close to his cottage Clouds Hill. He swerved to avoid two boys on bicycles, lost control, and was thrown over the handlebars. He passed away six days later at the age of 46.
1935-05-19
Death of T. E. Lawrence
On May 19, 1935, T. E. Lawrence passed away at the age of 46, six days after being fatally injured in a motorcycle accident near his cottage Clouds Hill in Dorset. His funeral was attended by notable figures like Winston Churchill and E. M. Forster.
1936-01-29
Bronze bust of Lawrence placed in St Paul's Cathedral
On January 29, 1936, a bronze bust of T. E. Lawrence sculpted by Eric Kennington was placed in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral, London, among Britain's military leaders.
1939
Stone effigy of Lawrence installed in St Martin's Church
In 1939, a recumbent stone effigy of T. E. Lawrence sculpted by Eric Kennington was installed in St Martin's Church, Wareham, Dorset.
1940
Lawrence of Arabia, Zionism and Palestine
In 1940, Ronald Storrs likely wrote about 'Lawrence of Arabia, Zionism and Palestine', exploring the connections between T. E. Lawrence, Zionism, and Palestine.
1954
B. H. Liddell Hart leads efforts to suppress Richard Aldington's book
In 1954, B. H. Liddell Hart, along with a group known as 'The Lawrence Bureau', attempted to suppress Richard Aldington's critical biography of T. E. Lawrence. Despite their efforts, the book was eventually published and received harsh criticism.
1955
Richard Aldington publishes Lawrence of Arabia: A Biographical Enquiry
In 1955, Richard Aldington released a critical biography of T. E. Lawrence, accusing him of lying, exaggerating, and promoting misguided policies in the Middle East. Aldington's book received backlash and negative reviews from the literary community.
1961
Lawrence of Arabia: The Man and the Motive
A book titled 'Lawrence of Arabia: The Man and the Motive' by A. Nutting was published in 1961, examining the life and motivations of Lawrence of Arabia.
1962
David Lean's Film 'Lawrence of Arabia'
The 1962 film 'Lawrence of Arabia' masterfully portrays T.E. Lawrence's journey and his struggle with divided loyalties, raising his saga to the level of Shakespearean tragedy.
1963
338171 T. E. (Lawrence of Arabia)
In 1963, V. Ocampo published '338171 T. E. (Lawrence of Arabia)', a work that likely explores aspects of T. E. Lawrence's life or legacy.
1966
T. E. Lawrence: An Arab view
In 1966, a book titled 'T. E. Lawrence: An Arab view' by S. Mousa was published, offering a unique perspective on T. E. Lawrence from an Arab viewpoint.
1977
T. E. Lawrence
Desmond Stewart's book 'T. E. Lawrence' was published in 1977, offering insights into the life of T. E. Lawrence.
1982
The T. E. Lawrence Poems published by Gwendolyn MacEwen
In 1982, Canadian poet Gwendolyn MacEwen published The T. E. Lawrence Poems, which relied on primary material including Seven Pillars and Lawrence's collected letters.
1986
Amalgamation of RAF Benevolent Fund and archaeological, environmental, and academic projects trusts
In 1986, the trusts related to the RAF Benevolent Fund and various projects were merged. This unified trust then obtained all the remaining rights to T. E. Lawrence's works that were not previously owned, including those of A. W. Lawrence's works.
1988
A Touch of Genius: The life of T. E. Lawrence
A biography of T. E. Lawrence written by Malcolm Brown and Julia Cave in 1988.
1991
Acquisition of rights to Lawrence's works
After the death of A. W. Lawrence in 1991, the unified trust acquired all the remaining rights to T. E. Lawrence's works that it did not already possess, as well as the rights to A. W. Lawrence's works.
1997
Angus Calder suggests Lawrence's apparent masochism and self-loathing may stem from guilt over losing his brothers
In 1997, Angus Calder proposed the idea that T. E. Lawrence's masochistic tendencies and self-loathing could have been a result of feeling guilty for surviving while his brothers and school friends died during World War I.
2000
Publication of T.E. Lawrence Bibliography by Phillip M. O’Brien
Phillip M. O’Brien published a comprehensive listing of books and articles related to T.E. Lawrence in 2000, followed by a supplement with 2,500 additional entries.
2002
Lawrence named 53rd in the BBC's list of the 100 Greatest Britons
In 2002, T. E. Lawrence was ranked 53rd in the BBC's list of the 100 Greatest Britons after a UK-wide vote.
2003-10-21
Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World
The documentary 'Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World' was directed by James Hawes and released on October 21, 2003.
2005
Lawrence of Arabia: The selected letters
A selection of letters related to Lawrence of Arabia compiled by Malcolm Brown in 2005.
2006-01-01
Expiration of UK copyrights on Lawrence's works
The UK copyrights on T. E. Lawrence's works that were published during his lifetime and within 20 years of his death expired on January 1, 2006.
2008
The Golden Warrior: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence's life and legend explored in Lawrence James' book published in 2008.
2009
To Begin the World over Again: Lawrence of Arabia from Damascus to Baghdad
A book by John C. Hulsman published in 2009 focusing on Lawrence of Arabia's journey from Damascus to Baghdad.
2010
Lawrence d'Arabie. Thomas Edward, cet inconnu
In 2010, François Sarindar published 'Lawrence d'Arabie. Thomas Edward, cet inconnu', a work likely focusing on the enigmatic figure of T. E. Lawrence.
2011
The Legacy of Lawrence and the New Arab Awakening
Jacob Rosen's article 'The Legacy of Lawrence and the New Arab Awakening' was published in 2011, likely exploring the enduring impact of T. E. Lawrence and the Arab Awakening.
2014
Lawrence of Arabia and Clouds Hill
Andrew Norman's book 'Lawrence of Arabia and Clouds Hill' was published in 2014, shedding light on the life of Lawrence of Arabia and his connection to Clouds Hill.
2016
Lawrence After Arabia play
His 1922 retreat from public life forms the subject of Howard Brenton's play Lawrence After Arabia, commissioned for a 2016 premiere at the Hampstead Theatre to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the Arab Revolt.
2018
Lawrence featured on a £5 coin commemorating the Centenary of the First World War
In 2018, T. E. Lawrence was featured on a £5 coin issued by the Royal Mint as part of a six-coin set commemorating the Centenary of the First World War.
2019
Sabaton's song 'Seven Pillars Of Wisdom'
Swedish power metal band Sabaton wrote the song 'Seven Pillars Of Wisdom' about Lawrence for their 2019 album The Great War.
2022
Reappearance of a 'deleted chapter' from Seven Pillars of Wisdom
In 2022, a 'deleted chapter' from Seven Pillars of Wisdom reappeared. Lawrence's writing in this chapter sheds light on his involvement in the Arab front and the promises made during the Arab Revolt.
2024-03-21
Last Updated - T.E. Lawrence Article
The article on T.E. Lawrence was last updated on March 21, 2024, ensuring that the information provided is current and accurate.
2040-01-01
Protection of works published more than 20 years after Lawrence's death
Works by T. E. Lawrence published more than 20 years after his death were protected either for 50 years from their publication date or until January 1, 2040, whichever came earlier.
End of the Timeline
T. E. Lawrence

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T. E. Lawrence

British archaeologist and army officer
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