Monday 19th May saw a much larger gathering than usual at Moreton Cemetery to mark the 90th anniversary of TEL’s death. Following the series of talks at Wareham Museum on Saturday 17th, which was accompanied by an exhibition of Luz Rivara’s art, a number of Society members stayed in the area. Around 30 were at the graveside on Monday morning and were accompanied by 50 – 60 members and supporters of the Special Forces Club.
They were there to witness four of their members scatter sand collected from five locations on TEL’s grave. The sand had been collected during their 25 day trek on camel following TEL’s route from Wejh to Aquaba.
The Society Chairman, Kevin Winter, welcomed all present, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, and thanked the Dorset Group for making the arrangements for the day and Theresa Jenkins-Teague for having the grave cleaned prior to the event.
He added that he had pondered what TEL would have made of the gathering and thought he would probably have been appalled, but at the same time secretly pleased that so many people were there. He thought it was wonderful that there is still so much interest in TEL, with people attracted to him because of the various facets of his life, as archaeologist, guerrilla leader, author, motorcyclist, fast boat pioneer etc.
Kevin lay the Society’s flowers, paid for by an anonymous US benefactor, on the grave before handing over to Howard Leedham, who had led the Special Forces Club team on the trek. Howard thanked the Society for the opportunity to attend the 90th anniversary commemorations in order to scatter the sand on the grave. Touchingly he stated that “Lawrence, you couldn’t go back to the desert, so we have brought the desert to you because for you, there is only the desert.”
The riders stepped forward in turn to scatter sand from Fajer, Al Jawari, Bayir and Aqaba. Howard presented Kevin with a commemorative medal/coin and later a second one, which he gratefully received on behalf of the Society. Following the formal commemoration there was time for photographs, many including George IV, TEL’s fourth Brough Superior, which had been brought by its owner to be at the grave side.
Many Society members then made their way to the Walled Garden café for a coffee and a bite to eat. It was good to catch up with old friends and new there. Some then made their way to the Frampton Arms, next to Moreton Station, to meet up with the Special Forces Club members, who had gathered there. New friends were made and Howard Leedham agreed to give a talk at next year’s Symposium about the trek.
