INTRODUCTION


COLONEL STEWART FRANCIS NEWCOMBE was already a legend in the deserts of Arabia before he was joined in Cairo during the early months of the First World War by a a remarkable team of Middle Eastern specialists. One member of this group was T.E. Lawrence who went on to achieve worldwide fame. Colonel Newcombe's story, like those of other unsung figures in the Anglo-Arabian narrative, has been eclipsed by the legend of ´Lawrence of Arabia´, and has languished in the dusty recesses of regimental records, government files or in the elliptical words of Lawrence’s book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. However, S.F. Newcombe´s untold story is there to be told. BEYOND ARABIA is a story of extraordinary exploits and courage, coupled with Newcombe's own legendary and inexhaustible supply of energy and of remarkable adventures under the very noses of the Ottoman authorities – full of danger, intrigue and perhaps more surprisingly, of romance during Newcombe's captivity in Turkey. In the years between the two world wars, Palestine became Newcombe’s main preoccupation, especially after his retirement from military service, and he spent many years in helping to achieve a just solution in relation to the promises that were made to the Arabs during the war in return for their active participation in support of the Allied cause. For this untiring effort he will be best remembered. This is his story.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Camping Deluxe

Lawrence and staff at Aqaba

AQABA 1917: 

Despite some discomforts, Lawrence and his colleagues set up quite decent camping arrangements whenever possible. With a Persian carpet at its hearth entrance this tent was equipped with beds and rudimentary washing facilities. The guy-lines of the tent were secured with pegs with the additional weight of a sand bag at each corner, evidence that the weather in the desert could whip up quite a strong wind. 

Lawrence’s tent also possessed a gramophone player which was put outside on a tall table during the regular gatherings with fellow British officers. A box of records kept the men entertained and one or two pets were introduced for added distraction. Major Scott, base commander at Aqaba, holds a terrier named "Robert". Captain Goslett strokes a saluki named "Shorter".
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