Dorsetman

Nestled amidst the tranquil Surrey countryside in Weybridge, Brooklands is a name synonymous with speed, innovation, and the pioneering spirit of human endeavor. For over a century, this historic site has played a pivotal role in shaping the world of transportation, from the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport to the awe-inspiring realm of aviation. Alongside its motor racing heritage, Brooklands also played a significant role in the development of aviation. In 1910, the track was extended to include an airfield, and soon it became a hub for aircraft manufacturing and testing. During World War I, Brooklands was requisitioned by the British government and played a crucial role in the production of military aircraft. After the war, Brooklands continued to be a center for aviation innovation. In 1930, the first commercial air service in the UK was launched from Brooklands, with flights to Paris and Brussels. The airfield also hosted the first public demonstration of a jet engine in 1930. The decline of motor racing at Brooklands began in the 1930s, as increased road traffic and the development of safer tracks made the circuit less suitable for high-speed racing. The track was finally closed in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. Despite its closure, Brooklands' legacy lives on. In 1991, the Brooklands Museum was opened to showcase the rich history of motor racing and aviation at the site. The museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles, aircraft, and memorabilia, charting the evolution of transportation from the early days of motoring and aviation to the present day. Brooklands remains a place of inspiration, where visitors can connect with the passion and ingenuity that drove the pioneers of speed and flight. The site stands as a testament to the human spirit's ability to push boundaries and achieve the seemingly impossible. Nowadays, the Museum is open to the public with a fantastic variety of transport, planes, motorbikes, racing cars, buses, aeroplanes to keep you occupied. You really should visit for the day and experience the exhibits up close and personal. My personal favourite of the day was the Vickers VC10 and one a few there which you can actually sit in the cockpit and just wander through the aircraft, including one that belonged to the Sultan of Oman.

Photograph of Lawrence's headstone at Moreton graveyard in Dorset \ Quite a modest final resting place for a national hero. However, it is quite local to his beloved cottage at Clouds Hill and Bovington Camp where he was based in his last military posting. I recently discovered the site where he crashed his Brough Superior motorcycle which led to his fatal injuries. This is not too far from his cottage at Clouds Hill.

Lawrence of Arabia as he was more widely known, was a larger-than-life character who had a local connection to Dorset alongside his worldwide notoriety. Thomas Edward Lawrence joined the army as a British intelligence officer and was sent to the Middle East as a cartographer to create maps of the terrain for advancing troops. This is when he initially started his pivotal role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War and soon rose in stature to become an iconic figure in British, American and Middle Eastern history. Early Life and Education Born in Tremadoc, Wales, in 1888, Lawrence was a sensitive and introspective child. He excelled in his studies, particularly in languages and history, and developed a deep interest in the Middle East. He graduated from Oxford University in 1910 and worked as an Archaeologist in Syria and Mesopotamia which started his interest and understanding of Arab culture. World War I and the Arab Revolt When Lawrence joined the Army at the outbreak of the 1st World War in 1914, he was assigned to the Arab Bureau in Cairo. He was fluent in Arabic and also his knowledge of the region led to him becoming a leading figure in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. He played a pivotal role in uniting the disparate Arab tribes under the leadership of Prince Faisal of Hejaz and helped organise guerrilla raids against the Ottoman forces which later led to the capture of the strategically important port of Aqaba. His bravery and leadership earned him the admiration of the Arabs, who gave him the title "Lawrence of Arabia." Post-War Years and Legacy After the war, Lawrence became increasingly disillusioned with British policy in the Middle East. He felt betrayed by the British that the promises that were made to the Arabs for independence were not honoured and he later struggled with his own identity and his role in the war effort. In 1922, Lawrence joined the Royal Tank Corps under the pseudonym of T.E Shaw (surname taken from close friend George Bernard Shaw), hoping to escape the public eye and live a normal life. Once his identity was unveiled he resigned from his post in the Army regiment. Lawrence spent the rest of his life writing and translating, and he became a respected scholar of Middle Eastern history. He also continued to advocate for Arab independence and to promote understanding between the Arab and Western worlds. Lawrence died in 1935 at the age of 46 when he suffered fatal injuries after crashing his Brough Superior motorcycle. His death was a tragic loss to the world of literature, scholarship and diplomacy. There is much controversy around the events leading up to his crash and even today, this subject has been discussed in many films and documentaries. He is buried in a small churchyard in Moreton, Dorset rather than the state funeral in Westminster Abbey which was originally planned. Not far from his grave is his beloved cottage 'Clouds Hill' where he spent most of his time writing and entertaining friends. A Complex and Contradictory Figure Despite his flaws and contradictions, Lawrence of Arabia is remembered as a man of extraordinary courage, intelligence, and compassion. His legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, historians, and adventurers. Further reading on T.E. Lawrence can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._E._Lawrence (image courtesy of Wikipedia by Unknown author - pavellas.blogspot.com, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7367070)