Original subtitles

Oh, hello, young man.

Welcome to St Martin's. Hello.

My gran said I could come in here and have a look round while she's in the

shops. Is that OK?

Yes, of course. Always good to see new faces.

My name's Mr Talbot. My name is Mark.

Is there a dead body in here?

No, no.

This is an effigy.

It's a sculpture of T .E. Lawrence by his friend, Eric Kennington.

What are you wearing?

Is that a dagger?

Yes, yet he's dressed in the robes of an Arab prince, a title he was gifted for

his bravery.

A prince?

Was he a knight too?

Did he fight with a sword?

Yes, yes, yet he did fight with a sword sometimes, but sometimes he fought with

his pen. He fought many battles.

He was known as Lawrence of Arabia.

He was a hero.

He died in 1935 in a motorcycle crash on a road near Bovington.

Was it an accident?

Well, Mark, sometimes not all accidents are accidental.

Come on Albert, keep up.

Alright Frank, I'm pedalling as fast as I can.

Bike where you can.

Any more deliveries to do?

Nah, that's it for today.

Get a stretcher! Get a stretcher!

Gentlemen of the jury, I much regret the necessity of calling you here today to

inquire into the circumstances leading up to the death of a very gallant

officer, known at the time of his death as Thomas Edward Shaw, better known to

the rest of the world as Colonel Lawrence of Arabia.

All men dream, but not equally.

Those who dream by night,

And the dusty recesses of their mind wake in the day to find that it was

But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men.

But they may act on their dreams with open eyes to make them possible.

Fifth.

I did.

Thank you, Mr. Brough.

I'll take it.

Dangerous and troubling times, Ned.

Don't you ever send a telegram, a note?

For a desert warrior who enjoys danger, I would have thought this was very much

your best. You've had a long drive from London, Winston. What's on your mind?

You heard of King Faisal's death?

Yes, a great friend.

Do you think it was heart failure or something more sinister?

His passing was sudden.

And the Swiss authorities were very suspicious.

You suspect Kell's hand?

Vernon Kell is a dangerous man.

As head of the secret service, he had a motive.

Faisal wanted to slow Jewish immigration in Palestine.

A good reason to have him removed.

I've spoken to Faisal's son and told him I will help.

A fine bolt hole you have here.

A place where one can live out their life in peace.

You were always ready to use a sword when it was necessary.

The call to arms was only a means to an end. I will not miss

the slaughter.

The hour is coming, Ned.

Dark clouds are gathering.

Germany has reintroduced conscription.

I'm rebuilding your army. Or I will be our moated fortress once again.

No, Winston.

I have lived through enough nightmares for a thousand lifetimes.

Not again. There are other ways of fighting, Ned.

You've proved that many times.

The next war will be won with intelligence.

I think any man that starts a war throws a distinct lack of intelligence.

Do you really think that we can curb the insanity of those pompous arses like

Kel who'll happily lead millions of brothers, sons, husbands, fathers,

friends to be cut down by barbed wire bullets and hubris

again?

A lost generation.

Castle to the slaughter.

Two brothers I lost in the war.

I'm a friend.

Our enemies must be engaged with whatever weapons we have at hand.

Secret service will be our weapon, Ned. It needs a new structure.

Needs a faster drumbeat. Your leadership.

A chivalrous knight battling dragons.

Precisely.

Like so many others, you are not mediocre. War is close.

We need to grow our armory to meet them with dominant force.

You have charisma.

You lead.

Others follow.

These are your talents, Ned.

You can call them that.

Ned, I am building a band of brothers.

They need you to lead them.

You would be the hub of our intelligence.

And...

If I decline?

You owe me no fealty.

I cannot forth, cajole or order you.

But in your heart, Ned, I know you want to.

Mediocrity will never do for you.

You would want to find peace and save lives.

The next step?

Come up to London next week, Wednesday.

Meet with Amory McDonagh.

Metzenhagen.

And myself.

All good men.

Very good men.

With enemies.

Not as many as you have made, Ned.

But in fighting our enemies, we need to get to know them.

Get behind them, so to speak.

Quite. So we can stab them in the back.

I've already made contact with Henry Williamson.

He's good friends with Oswald Mosley and has a line to Hitler.

Already running with the Helen Hounds, Ned?

Enjoy your weekend.

So, another war is inevitable.

It is written, my old friend. Nothing is written, lest it be so.

You know that it will be so, Ned.

There is one that will write it, and I, for one, will stop him.

Have you ever read about Kit Marlowe's death, Ned?

A playwright? No. Should I?

He was a spy, you know.

It was rumoured things got too hot for him in England.

His death was a fake.

Be careful, Ned.

You are being watched.

Carol would be stupid not to.

And he will oppose you.

And you do attract notoriety, like bees around the honeypot.

I shall use the press to make the right noises.

I will devote my life to the greater good.

I will place character above riches and concern for others above personal

wealth. I will speak the truth at all times and forever keep my word.

I will defend those who cannot defend themselves.

I will uphold justice by being fair to all.

I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship.

I will be generous to the poor and those who need help.

I will forgive when asked that my own mistakes will be forgiven.

I will live my life with honour.

Ned!

Ned! I met Florence on the lane.

You're never really at ease, are you?

Better when I have it, I'm afraid.

How the devil are you both?

Very well.

Thomas is rising and I'm falling.

And I just needed to get away from the camp.

It's a beautiful spot, Ned, isn't it?

A lot to do, and the brough always needs attention.

Anyway, take a pee, and I'll go to some lemonade.

Do you think he ever relaxes?

Perhaps.

But anybody's...

Writing his letters or reading his books.

Ah, his favourite.

Sir Thomas Mallory, Lamour d 'Arthur.

Heroic knight in shining armour.

Dragons, damsels in distress.

My secret passion, Florence.

But I have a quote.

The seven pillars of wisdom.

The first copies have arrived.

Today. Well, God bless her and all who stayed in her.

He likes your lemonade.

Ned, the garden.

I have to explore.

I'm well, Ned.

I'm melancholy.

Consummate conflict.

You wish for those days of a desert hero.

Ned?

I'm no hero, Florence.

I'm physically and emotionally exhausted.

I've driven my body and spirit to breaking point.

I've been a thirdly over -examinated.

I'm not a superman.

I'm quite a woman.

And now that I am playing private shore, maybe I can

bury the myth of Lawrence of Arabia and I can live with myself.

I'm not sure they know what to do with me.

I know they want me out of the way.

Winston tells me if there's any trouble growing.

But you try. to give the desert back to the Arab.

By your actions, you made many friends.

And enemies.

Many enemies.

I think I'm a spy for the Arabs.

The Zionists think I'll start an Arab uprising, but I just dwell on the lives

lost.

I've loved, but I will never love again.

One day you'll find peace again, I'm sure.

Damascus, Aqaba, Dera, they've all left their scars on me.

Losing to whom?

Even when the world is at peace, I seem not to be.

I cannot stop.

A perpetual engine.

Snid.

Seek your peace and you will find it.

I so often find my peace with my friends.

Here, in this oasis.

It's a bloody paradise.

Thank you.

I do enjoy it.

Well, I'd better pedal back to camp.

Be afraid, old chap.

Don't give me away.

Now, you must come to Maxgate next week.

Maybe, but...

Now, none of your excuses.

We'll party unless you're there.

Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about editing Thomas's memoir.

It would be a pleasure. I don't know, I'm fine.

I'll bow and add it.

Let's see if we can beat her this time.

There's our target.

Regular with clockwork.

Lawrence.

Well, he's going by the name of Shaw now, trying to hide.

Where's he off to?

Should we follow him?

Well, it's a Wednesday.

He'll visit Dublin Beach and he races the Swanee's train on the way.

So, let's go and take a snoop around the cottage.

Mosley and I are agreed that a meeting would avert prolonged conflict.

If you are indeed our man, I will visit Clouds Hill for lunch on Tuesday.

You must meet Hitler.

Let us begin this new age.

Yours, Henry Williamson.

Dear Winston, our meeting in London was very productive.

Let us proceed.

I have arranged to meet Williamson.

Keep me appraised of any potential local interference.

Yours, T .E.

For your own good, Edward, you must always obey and be dutiful to your

commands.

Be attentive to what she teaches you in all things.

Come here, Edward.

Shut the door.

I love you, Mother.

I love you, too.

Enough.

You know why you're here.

Yes, Mother.

You know you have done wrong.

Yes, Mother.

Well, you know what to do.

Remember what I taught you.

This is your punishment.

Your pain.

Conquer it.

Own it.

Learn to love it.

And it will no longer be pain.

The pain will purge your sins.

Begin to count down.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three. Two.

One.

It's over, Mother!

Your staff is broken.

Your charms are all earth -rode. Come back, Edward. Come back now.

Take your punishment, boy.

Don't dare turn your back on me.

My brothers, we will kindle a great light in this world

and set blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.

We will become immortal.

We will be heroes.

And now that I'm playing old Private Shaw, maybe the myth of Lawrence of

can be buried and I can live in peace.

Good work, Jor -El.

Thank you, sir.

He's bloody clever, covering his track.

Things do seem to be developing, don't they?

I had suspected that Churchill was behind the proposal to replace me, and

Lawrence had made a number of attempts to throw us off the scent.

We shall have to watch and wait.

See how things develop.

That little man has his finger in all sorts of pies.

And he's very unpredictable.

Says one thing, does another.

His appointment would certainly bugger things up.

And if things do develop... Well, now we have

to decide what to do.

And how to do it.

First of all, they want some bloody Nazi sympathiser and American harlot on the

throne. And now they want a bloody sadomasochistic little bastard as leader

the British secret service.

Well, both are equally unacceptable.

And both are problems I fully intend to eliminate.

Eliminate?

Eliminate.

Let's... Let's take a look at Lawrence's ever -growing files, shall we?

Lawrence studied at Jesus College, Oxford.

Arab scholar, archaeologist.

Thesis on Crusader Castle. He cycled 2 ,400 miles through France and walked

1 ,100 miles in Syria.

Can't afford his stamina.

In 1914, Lawrence is sent to Cairo.

When the Arab revolt begins in 1916, he and Sheriff Faisal campaign against the

Turks. 1917 through 1918, he leads a number of attacks, including capture

of Aqaba, and is wounded in combat.

The Turks put a price on his head, £30 ,000.

In 1917, he is captured and tortured.

he says, but manages to escape.

In 1918, he leads the captain of Damascus.

Faisal gives him the status of son.

So, we have a privilege.

Returns to England, where he is promoted to colonel. Is requested to an audience

with George V, where he is to be given a knighthood, which he refuses.

A situation for which, in 1 ,000 years, the parish has no protocol.

In 1919, he's a member of Faisal's delegation at the Paris Peace

He survives an aircraft accident in Italy that killed everybody else.

But to reward him and get him out of the way, they offer him the post of Viceroy

of India, which he refuses.

In 1922, he works with Churchill to achieve some degree of Arab self -rule.

After which, he tries to join the RAF under a pseudonym, which fails when

someone recognises him from the plethora of newspaper photos.

He joins the RAF as T .E. Shaw, publishes tales of his so -called

In 1926, more publicity, and fears of him being involved with the Arabs again.

We get him posted to India, where he gets involved with spying in Afghanistan

and encouraging India's independence movement.

Then, earlier this year, he retired from service, so now he's a

civilian, and we can't hide him anymore.

He sets himself up in his dorset cottage, where rather than gardening,

around relaxing, or even barking, get weaving, he is still stirring up the

Arabs, pitting off the Jews in Palestine, and buggering up our control

of the Suez Canal.

And at the same time, he is talking with Mosley and his Blackshirts, and not

just about meeting Hitler, but becoming their leader.

And the crowning task in this water fight that he is working with Churchill,

To bloody replace me!

Now if somebody isn't going to annihilate this little shit, then I

A

bullet would

be clean.

But may I suggest something more subtle?

Something the great unwashed would not suspect.

and would elevate his reputation as a hero.

What's better than a hero?

A fallen hero.

Tragic death.

On his motorcycle.

Perhaps an unfortunate collision.

A mishap.

Yeah.

Yes, that does have some merit.

An unfortunate accident just into his retirement.

Using a motor vehicle as a weapon.

That's certainly inventive.

Is your man reliable?

Dick?

Yes. He needs a little Dutch courage.

But he'll do what he needs to do.

Good.

Well, it must be done soon.

And very discreetly.

No loose ends.

Do you understand me?

No loose ends.

It would be wonderful to see you again.

Your last visit was most entertaining.

You would be most welcome to join a few guests at a weekend party, including Mr.

Baldwin, at Clifton. We understand there is a potential reorganization of the

forces proposed, and would like to understand the upheaval. Yours, Lady

Astor.

my apologies lady astor but no neither prime minister nor wild mares would at

present take me from cloud hill also there is something broken in the works

I urge you to visit me at Barnstable at your earliest opportunity.

Mosley is keen for you to meet Hitler next month.

War in Europe is seen by the National Socialists as inevitable, but your input

could bring about an environment of negotiation.

Yours, Henry Williamson.

it seems i have had uninvited guests again and a telephone number

Where's that damn dog been?

He's been down here at the Country Times dinner.

What does that damn dog be? Where has he been?

Ah, probably some dead rabbit like last time.

I think he's shot in here.

Now, what have you found there, boy?

Clothes.

Huh.

Some walker has left his clothes or some such.

Funny. Strange.

What do you think?

Mystery to me.

Look, let's put them back. There's probably a logical explanation for it.

We'd better tell the police when we get back to the village.

Agreed.

Yes, we're late already.

Hang on, Peter.

Look. A name.

Richard Kreuter.

Well, at least we've got a name to give to the police.

So then, Dick, what did your bloodhound sense in this outfit?

It looks like you were right.

He is talking to the Black Shirts.

They're setting him up to meet Hitler next month.

Henry Williamson and Mosley? Just so.

This is getting out of hand.

If he does talk to Mosley and Hitler, war may not be the foregone conclusion

that Kell and the others are hoping for.

We can't allow that, can we?

And your boss's plans of appeasement would be scuppered.

Just imagine what it could do to all those bank accounts and balance sheets,

So, what else do you find?

A communication to the King of Jordan.

It's written in Arabic, I think. It looks like Kel was right on this one.

I've taken it.

Oh, dear.

Talking with the Arabs, eh?

It seems our little exhibitionist friend may have just crossed a big red line.

We should report back to Kel in London.

Relax, dear boy.

We'll be back by this evening.

And I know a charming little pub on the edge of the New Forest where we can top

you up.

So, you find a bunch of old clothes hidden in the forest.

Not exactly one for Sherlock Holmes, is it?

Perhaps an old biddy hid them in a dropbox for a friend.

A kid's game, perhaps.

It was just damn peculiar.

And there was a name in the hat.

Richard Crichton.

Richard Crichton.

No, not a name I know.

Look, aren't you going to write this down?

Richard Crichton.

Happy?

Look, why don't you go back out before it gets dark, collect the clothes, bring

them back here, then at least we'll have all the physical evidence.

We do have time.

Right. Come on.

Cut on the bloody boy's face.

I'm sure they hit the right spot.

No, nothing.

Look, old man, I've had enough mysteries for one day.

We've reported it to the police.

It's in the sergeant's little black book.

I think we've done our duty.

Quite so.

Bloody waste of time.

Come on, Preston.

Let's see if we can get back to the village in time to down a pint before

home.

Lauren, you've got my note.

Ned, it's so wonderful to see you.

You look well.

I'm glad to be home, but I feel old.

Old and tired.

You should retire.

Retire?

I still have things to do.

Besides, I think Winston will have the little job for me.

You've heard from Winston?

He's annoyed at the Jewish migration to Palestine.

Destabilizing, he says.

Be careful there, Ned.

He's a cunning old fox.

A user.

England's changed.

And the British who burned the youth have created powerful, dangerous

I know.

I know.

The Jews.

Allenby. The Secret Service.

Don't go adding anyone else to a growing list.

Bloody battles.

The sense of purpose that keeps me going.

Being in Arabia.

I learned we're all immortal for a limited time.

Just be careful, Ned.

I feel uneasy, apprehensive.

The world is moving into a state of darkness and flux.

But for us heroes, readiness is all.

That was never going to be.

Come on.

Let's walk down to the village.

This hero needs a cup of tea.

Monsieur Laurent.

Monsieur Laurent. Jean Renard, Le Figaro, Monsieur Laurent.

Get off my property. Do you intend to become leader of the Black Shirts?

Do you oppose the Jewish settlement in Palestine?

You jackal, vulture.

Leave me alone, for God's sake, leave me alone!

Remember what I taught you.

This is your punishment, your pain.

The pain will purge your sins.

It only takes pounds of pressure to kill.

Monsieur, no!

S 'il vous plaît!

Tell your friends the old fire is not yet extinguished.

It has been announced that Mr. T .E. Shaw, known as Lawrence of Arabia,

currently an aircraftman with the Royal Air Force, is to retire from active

duty.

It is his intention to enjoy his retirement in seclusion at his cotton,

Cloud Hill.

Endorse it, he has asked.

That is privacy being respected.

Ha ha!

Ha ha!

Confuse and confound the enemy, Ned.

Confuse and confound them.

Clemmie, Clemmie, you must come and read this. Highly entertaining.

Prime Minister's office.

Hello, Ramsay.

You were right.

He is indeed a loose cannon.

Unpredictable. An agitator.

Well, most of his friends are writers.

His allies are Churchill and Lady Asper.

Highly influential.

Exactly.

Well, for the rest of our class, the little bastard has exasperated the royal

family, angered the War Office, and infuriated us here at the

Secret Service.

Oh, I just need your verbal sanction.

Thank you, Ramsay.

Thy will be done.

There was once a merchant in Baghdad who, while in the marketplace, was

by someone in the crowd.

When he turned, he thought it was death.

Death looked at him and reached out to him.

The merchant ran home and, wanting to escape, took his horse and rode as fast

he could.

I will go to Samarkand and their death will not find me, he said.

Exhausted on his arrival that evening, the merchant went to the marketplace and

he saw death standing in the crowd.

Boldly he went to death and said, Why did you threaten me when you saw me this

morning? I did not threaten you.

Death said, It was only a start of surprise.

I was astonished to see you in Baghdad, for I had this appointment with you this

night in Samarkand.

As -salamu alaykum, Heron.

Wa alaykum as -salam.

It's been a long time, Heron.

I've missed you so much, old friend.

You should come with me.

Where?

The death?

Don't worry.

Home.

Your time is close.

He waits for you on the way to Samarkand.

Inshallah.

If Allah wishes it, I will come.

Thank you, old friend.

Until later, Eloran.

Go in peace.

Assalamu alaikum, Eloran.

Wa alaikum wa alaikum.

Be patient with him, Lord.

Yes,

sir. We got the letter to Abdullah translated from the Arabic dialect.

It confirms plans for an Arab uprising in Palestine, possibly led by Lawrence.

He's also getting close to the Blackshirts and Mosley, either to

join them.

Which would be embarrassing, whichever way you jumped.

I understand, sir.

I'll liaise with operations if we need anything.

And the timing?

As soon as possible.

Certainly, sir.

That's what we were planning.

Well, thank you, sir.

I'll call tomorrow to confirm success.

And good night to you, sir.

Well, well, well, Crichton.

England's most famous and courageous queer is not liked by Kay.

Not liked at all.

We need to pick up a few things and go back very early tomorrow morning.

We need to stop a dead man walking.

Kay has given the green light.

You know, Dick, some people say sticks and stones may break my bones, but words

were never heard to me.

Well... We're about to show our poet friend the true meaning of the word

eh?

Now, come on.

Let's get you down to that restaurant. This place is famous for its beef

running, Kel. And you look like you need feeding up for the busy day ahead.

Why does Kel want him dead?

Is it Moseley and the Black Shirts?

The Zionists? The Arabs?

His job?

Who cares?

Because that would not be very secret.

Good morning, Mr Shaw.

I think I might spend some time in my garden this afternoon.

Yes, beautiful.

Do you have an envelope?

I have this hologram.

A parcel and a letter to send to Devon. Oh, Mr Churchill.

And Henry Williamson, Shallowford, Biley, Devon. Oh, my sister too lives in

Devon, you know.

Yeah, I haven't seen her in over a year now.

Oh, Yellen must be, what, six?

May I just check that?

Lunch Tuesday, Wetfine Cottage, one mile north, Bogginton Camp.

Sure, yeah.

Right you are, Mr Shaw.

The parcel and the letter will be sent this afternoon, and the telegram will go

straight away.

Now, where have you put my telegram, book girl?

Shaw, but you were Lawrence, a prince of Arabia.

I was once, but I left that man in the past.

But the past is a part of us.

It is who we are.

We must learn from it. But I needed to forget him.

Your past is internal, my lord.

It is all around you.

You cannot run from it. But I wanted a new destination.

Here.

For remembrance on your journey, my prince.

Be ever watchful.

For you travel a long and dangerous road to where your friends are waiting.

Don't mind her.

She's a little bit, you know.

Damn.

I...

I had an important telegram to send to my friends in his London hotel.

I've left it in the cottage. No problem. You just drop it round when you're

ready. Oh, mind, I might be out back because I've got to plant some

Thank you.

Have a nice day.

Into his quietness.

Good.

It is time.

Finish it.

And death awaked him on the road to Samarkand.

Come on Albert, keep up!

Alright Frank, I'm pedalling as fast as I can.

Spike away from the pad.

Any more debris to do?

Nah, that's it for today.

Take care, Frank. Think I ate something colourful?

Oh, God, it's Mr. Lawrence.

Do you

think

he's stable?

Well... He's certainly stronger today, but if he survives,

I doubt he'll either walk or speak again.

Oh, can I help you, sir?

Oh, you can't smoke in here.

14278.

Sir?

Yes.

A glancing blow, sir, but just enough.

Oh, the car's already in London, sir.

Well, yes, sir, the security lockdown is in place.

Yes.

Press blackout, though the time has broken the story.

Also, special D notices have been posted.

Well, yes, of course.

Yes, we've closed down the cottage as well.

We have the local boys in blue guarding the grounds to keep out the press and

the over -curious.

Well, Clyton is going to make sure the boys have their story straight, and I'm

going to see George Brough in the morning.

We may have a problem with catchpoles.

Well, he and his boys did see the car.

I'm sure I can exert some pressure there.

Well, yes, sir.

We've confiscated a number of books and private papers, and we've also recovered

the letters and the telegram we were anxious about.

Well, no, it hadn't been sent, but it was addressed to an Arab in a London

hotel.

Well, yes, sir.

It does confirm your suspicion.

Oh, how is he?

Critical.

Hanging on.

I'll give him his due. He is a fighter.

The doctor says if he does survive, he'll be unable to speak.

Well, quite.

Let's not take that risk.

Well, I'm sure we can hasten him to the arms of Alice.

And good day to you, sir.

Good night, sweet Prince of Arabia.

May angels sing you to your rest.

All right, you two, with me.

Thank you, officer.

My colleague and I may be back tomorrow.

George Brough.

I came as soon as I heard of Lawrence's accident.

Yes.

Tragic accident.

These are fine machines you make, Mr. Brough. Quite so.

And you are?

I work for the government.

The government?

What can I do for you?

We need you to examine the bike and confirm that it was mechanically found.

Suddenly.

Give me a few moments.

Of course, it's mechanically sound. The bike has been struck by something here

on the right -hand side. You clearly see the black paint, damage to the tank,

headlights, the footrest.

Brake cable broke on impact, and I think we'd also

like to say that the handlebars and footrests made a considerable gouge on

road.

Well, we had established the paint was damaged on impact with the road. No, no,

no, nonsense, man. No, no, no, no.

The embouchure on the right -hand side, the bike, the lid on its left -hand

side, you can see the scratch marks on the chrome here.

Pure supposition, Mr. Brough. It could simply be older damage.

You see, in our investigation, we only need to know if the machine was

mechanically found. No, no, no, no, no. That's not the cause of the accident.

You see, the bike was... struck with something on the right -hand side.

Our government engineers will judge the cause.

Look, I don't know who you are, but Lawrence was the finest rider I

have ever met.

On the many times I rode with him, I can clearly say that he treated other

riders with the utmost consideration, never saw him take a single risk.

nor did he put other road users at the slightest inconvenience. No, no, no, no.

I cannot believe, nor will accept, that Lawrence made an error.

So, the fact.

Going back to the bike, it was struck on the right -hand side by something.

Mr. Brough, your business is a successful one, is it not?

And I'm sure you wish it to remain so.

Surely you wouldn't want one of our engineers to suggest that a rough

one of your own motorbikes, could have had any potential faults.

And then there is this.

What a very pretty picture, is it?

Where the bloody hell did you get this?

It would be regrettable if it was to somehow just slip out.

Sir, the bike was mechanically sound.

The bike was mechanically sound.

Well, thank you for your help, Mr. Brough.

It's been invaluable.

Good day to you, sir. Which part of the government did you say you worked for?

I didn't.

Doctor, I think this will be changed to the works.

It's over.

It's all over now.

Poor bastard.

Be patient with him, Lord.

Well, he arranged to take his body to the chapel.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. T .E. Shaw, Lawrence of Arabia,

which occurred shortly after 8 o 'clock yesterday morning.

Mr. Shaw was injured in a motorcycling accident on Monday night.

and did not recover consciousness.

Tragic as it is that such a remarkable career should have been ended by a

road accident, if his fight for life had succeeded, it would still have been a

tragedy, for Mr.

Shaw's brain was irreparably damaged.

Lawrence's commander, Viscount Allenby, said, In Colonel Lawrence, I have lost a

good friend and valued comrade.

He left to us who knew and admired him a beloved memory, and to countrymen an

example of a life well spent in the service.

He constantly prayed for peace, because as a soldier he suffered the deepest of

wounds and most horrific of scars.

The BBC spoke to the journalist Lowell Thomas, who reported on Lawrence's

service in Arabia.

The world looks with some awe upon a man who appears indifferent to home,

money, comfort, rank, orpah, and fame.

He spends his time hiding from admirers, reporters, publishers, autograph

collectors, and every species of hero worship.

He was a man whose name will go down in history, along with those of Francis

Drake, Waldo Raleigh, Lord Gordon, and other legendary heroes of

Britain's glorious past.

His friend Winston Churchill spoke to the BBC.

We have lost one of the greatest beings of our time.

I had the honour of his friendship.

I hope to see him quit his retirement and take a commanding part in

facing the dangers which now threaten this country.

His was an untimely death.

His name will live in English letters.

It will live in the annals of war.

It will live in the legends.

of Arabia.

Bloody hell, Ramsay.

Bloody hell.

Why didn't you deem to tell me?

Of course he knew.

I knew.

You sanctioned it.

You're a bloody fool, Ramsay.

A bloody fool.

Bloody hell.

Bloody hell.

So, mash Allah.

God has willed it.

The uncrowned prince.

The great El Laurence is dead.

Come.

Corporal 758 -1979.

Exemplary record.

The inquest for Mr. T. Shaw is tomorrow. You are to give evidence.

Sir.

And your evidence?

I witnessed the accident, sir, together with my platoon.

We observed a black car as it passed Shaw's motorbike. I thought it seemed to

glance the motorcycle. What?

You're not paid to think. You're a bloody soldier.

Permission to ask a question, sir.

Shaw retired from active service two months ago. He's a civilian now.

Why is this a military matter? Bloody insolent man! And that's why I'm here,

Catchpole. You see, Mr. Shaw was privy to a number of official secrets.

And it is important for national security that these are not compromised.

Can I make a suggestion?

Corporal Catchpole here is an excellent soldier.

He is representing his mate.

And he wants to do right by then.

He wants no doubt attached to his character. No stain on his exemplary

He merely needs to state what he saw.

He saw the motorbike pass the car.

But surely, sir, it's imperative the inquest have all the relevant facts.

And they will.

Given his exemplary records and his sound testimony,

I'm sure a promotion.

would be assured.

A sergeant, perhaps.

Increased remuneration to take care of his wife, Georgina, and their beautiful

baby daughter.

How are they?

And if his testimony is left sound, then there are a number of long -term

postings in our great empire to which his talent could be applied.

So, he needs to make the right decision.

Can you make the right decision, Ernest?

I observed the motorcycle pass the car, but the car... You observed the

motorcycle pass the car. I observed the motorcycle pass the car.

I observed the motorcycle pass the car.

Now there is a statement that I think we can all agree with.

Office material, this one, I'm sure.

You're dismissed.

Get out.

Mean would be fed about employing his talents elsewhere.

Oh, yes.

Egypt is particularly warm in this time of year.

After the inquest, I'm sure you can make it happen.

Make him go away.

I'm eternally grateful for your help with this one.

You wouldn't believe the flat this would have created.

Now, would you mind awfully if I made bold of your office to make a phone call

to Whitehall?

Certainly, yeah.

Glad to be of assistance.

Thank you, sir.

And good day, sir.

Whitehall 278.

Thank you.

Yes, sir.

The place is still locked down.

Guards are at Clouds Hill and Inspector Brunson is also outside the camp.

Yes, sir.

Crichton had squared up the boys. The evidence from Brough only states the

vehicle was roadworthy and Capsule has buckled.

Well, his mates won't back him up either.

Afraid of the consequences.

Yes.

Yes, sir.

Well, I think we have all the stories aligned.

Oh, the coroner.

Neville Jones, ex -army.

I had a chat with him at National Security and all that.

I think we can rely on him to play the straight back.

Well, yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

And good night to you, sir.

So, 338171 Aircraftsman Shaw, aged

46.

Only 11 weeks.

Possibly the shortest retirement on record.

The funeral of Mr. T .E. Shaw, formerly Colonel Lawrence, will take place at

Morton Church, Dorset, at 2 .30pm on Tuesday.

The service will be a simple one.

Apart from those specially invited, the service will be confined to his

particular friends and those who are associated with him in Arabia.

Members of the jury, I much regret the necessity of calling you here today.

to inquire into the circumstances leading up to the death of a very

officer, known at the time of his death as Thomas Edward Shaw, better known to

the rest of the world as Colonel Lawrence of Arabia.

Now, despite the best efforts and the skills and devotion of the medical men

attended him, and of course the rest of the hospital staff, he died on Sunday

last.

Now, once you've heard all the evidence, it will be for you to bring in your

verdict. As to the actual cause of death, you'll hear evidence today,

evidence from Mr. Hugh Cairns, the neurosurgeon who carried out the post

examination. And your verdict will be in accordance with that medical evidence

heard.

I call the first witness, Mr. Hugh Cairns.

It seems a foregone conclusion.

You just can't believe he's dead.

My name is Mr.

Hugh Cairns. I'm a neurosurgeon based in London.

At approximately 11 .45 on 13

May 1935, Mr. T .E. Shaw and Hargreaves were admitted

to the hospital at Bovington. Hargreaves was examined and found not to be so

seriously injured.

Mr Shaw was taken up to the theatre where he was found to be deeply

Together with my colleague, Captain Charles Allen, we came to the conclusion

that he was suffering from severe head injuries.

We had the skull x -rayed. Now, the deceased remained unconscious

until his death at 8am.

on 19 May 1935.

With the agreement of relatives, we carried out a post -mortem

examination, which showed a very severe

fissured fracture on the left -hand side of the head.

The brain was severely lacerated.

Prior to death, a congestion of the lungs had set in.

In my opinion, the cause of death was the fracture of the skull, lacerations

the brain, heart failure and congestion of the lungs.

His injuries would not have been fatal if he had been wearing a creche helmet.

Right. Thank you, Mr Cairns.

Next witness, please, Mr Frank Fletcher.

I live in Ellis Road, Bovington

Camp, and I'm 14 years of age.

On the 13th of May, 1935, about 11 .20am, I was riding my bicycle from

Bobbington Camp towards Clouds Hill and Albert Hargroves was with me.

I was riding at the front and Hargroves was riding at the back. We were on the

left of the road.

When opposite Clouds Hill Camp I heard a motorcycle coming up from behind and

then heard a crash and Bert's bicycle fell on top of me and knocked me off my

bicycle. I got up and saw Mr Lawrence go over the handlebars of the motorcycle

and fall about five yards in front.

I went over to Bert and gave me his Bert's book and I saw three pennies

the road.

He then seemed to fall asleep.

There were a lot of men running over from the tent.

Did you see any other vehicles on the road at any point?

No, sir. There were no other cars on the road then. I did not pass the car from

the time I left Bovington Camp in the accident.

Did you leave the road at any time?

I did not leave the road at all, sir.

Were you riding in the middle of the road, Frank?

I was riding close to the left -hand side between one and two yards.

When the crash occurred, the other boy was not at my side. I do not know what

part of the road the motorcyclist was on at the time of the accident.

After Bert's bicycle struck me, I looked up and saw the motorcycle about five

yards in front in the direction in which I was going and the rider going over

the handlebars.

Thank you, Frank.

Next witness please, Master Albert Hargreaves.

I am 14 years of age and I live in Bovington camp.

i'm employed as an errand boy by dodging co butchers bovington camp on the

13th of may 1935 i was riding from bovington camp to turner's puddle

frank fletcher was with me for company opposite cloud hill camp i was riding

four or five feet behind fletcher and on the left hand side of the road i heard

the sound of a motorcycle

coming from behind no motor car passed me about this time or any traffic of any

sort i do not remember anymore until i found myself in hospital i do not even

remember being thrown off my bicycle well how were you riding your bicycle

you um talking what was your position in the road when we left the camp we were

riding abreast we changed positions when we heard the noise of the motorcycle.

We had been riding in single file and were not talking and had been riding one

behind the other for about 10 minutes.

I slowed up and got behind Frank. I did not wobble at all.

Given your stature, this bicycle seems somewhat large to you.

If the bicycle is the right size for me, I just have to breach a little for the

pedals. Thank you, Albus.

Final witness, Corporal Ernest Catchpole.

I urge you not to do anything too courageous.

I'm Corporal 758 -1979, Ernest Catchpole.

stationed at Tidworth.

At about 11 .20am on the 13th of May 1935 I was at Clouds Hill Camping Ground

with my platoon.

We heard the sound of a motorcycle coming from the direction of Bovington

When I saw the motorcycle it was doing between 50 and 60 miles an hour.

Just before the motorcycle drew level with the camp

It passed a private black car going in the opposite direction.

The car was close to the middle of the road.

I then saw the motorcyclist swerve across the road to avoid two pedal

going in the same direction.

The motorcycle swerved immediately after passing the black car going in the

opposite direction.

I would say the accident occurred 15 to 20 feet after the motorcycle passed the

car. I then heard a crash.

And I saw the motorcycle twisting and turning over and over along the road. I

immediately ran to the road and called for help. I found the motorcyclist lying

on the right -hand side of the road.

His face was covered in blood, and I sent to the camp for a stretcher.

None of the other witnesses observed the car. Could you have been mistaken,

perhaps?

No, sir.

Thank you, Corporal Catchpole.

Now, the only other information is that regard for motorcycles.

Brough Superior.

Now, I have a statement here from the manufacturer, Mr. George Brough. On

examination, no obvious mechanical fault was apparent.

conflicting evidence is that with regard to the black car.

Now, I don't think the car had anything to do with the accident. However, the

fact that Corporal Catapult there is certain that he saw it, there were no

witnesses to it, and the boys are adamant they did not see it.

Well, it's all rather unsatisfactory, isn't it?

Now, you've heard all the evidence. I don't think you'll have too much

difficulty arriving at your verdict.

The facts are all there to see that the collision was indeed an accident. For

that, there can be little or no doubt.

Now, why the deceased rode into the rear of the pedal cycle, we shall never

know. The evidence would suggest that Mr Shaw was travelling at great speed,

lost control of his motorcycle.

I don't think there can be any other conclusion on the evidence.

And under the circumstances, you will doubtless consider the proper verdict to

bring in to be one of accidental death.

The verdict.

Thank you.

Death caused by injuries sustained accidentally.

Needless to say, I completely concur with your verdict.

And I'm sure you would wish to pass on your sympathies as well as my own to Mr

Shaw's relatives at this and their very sad loss and the country's loss of such

a gallant Englishman. The inquest is therefore adjourned.

Why didn't they find the black car?

The boys were very well -rehearsed.

Catchpole was very convincing.

You will omit your statement regarding the black car from the final records?

yes, of course, yes.

I think with the witnesses and such variants, I see no reason to set the

running unnecessarily, do you?

Not at all.

The funeral's set for 2 .30 today, isn't it? Yeah, quite so.

Well, best to draw a line under these fair as soon as we could.

My thanks. I will, of course, inform Whitehall, which also has been

Anyway, I'd be glad to know. You're proud of yourself,

little man.

You murdered a hero.

A prince.

An uncrowned king.

I know you were the driver of that car.

Well, we'll just keep that between ourselves, won't we?

You see, Ernest, truth is all a matter

of power and perspective.

We can rewrite history however we please.

And the common man never actually believes in naked truth.

He's too scared.

Too spineless.

You'll get your reward.

When you're twisted in spirit, these are silent. One word of truth rings out

like a pistol shot.

I for one will make sure that shot is heard.

No, you won't.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh even from the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time

forth for evermore.

After this I looked.

and behold a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation,

from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and

before the Lamb.

Lawrence was one of those rare beings who seemed to belong to the mourning of

the world.

He did his duty as he saw it.

He was an exceptional human being who achieved so much even after Arabia.

His end would have pleased him.

A swift rush and a silent passing.

The king is dead.

Long live the king.

Don't I forgive you, damn you? I don't.

Winston.

The day after he passes, we have the inquest and his funeral.

In unholy haste. They couldn't get him out of the way and into the ground quick

enough. They wanted a quieter fire.

Without ceremony.

Too many questions being asked more likely.

You couldn't stop them, could you?

Mrs. Hardy, it was beyond my power.

I'm very sorry.

You will make it right, won't you? Yes.

Ned will not be forgotten.

Lawrence was tremendously outspoken.

He was direct and sometimes brutally honest.

Do you know... In his last communication to me, he described him as a wild mare.

Indeed, a man of rare perception.

This, sir, this is not England's proudest moment.

We have lost a great man.

I fear, whatever our need in the coming years, we shall never see

his light again.

He once told me that when he was angry, he prayed for God to swing our globe

into the fiery sun to prevent the sorrows of the not yet born.

Politicians would be wise to prepare for such sorrows.

It's always remarkable that the ones who love war are not young men, but

politicians.

Small, middle -aged men with fat bellies and short legs.

Allenby. Sir Ronald.

Colonel Yukon.

Bradbury.

You know Lady Astor.

Thank you for coming, sir.

It was the least I could do.

He was a great soldier.

Yeah, he did make a difference, sir.

Absolutely.

But rather unorthodox.

He was bloody infuriating, sir.

But I, for one, wouldn't have had it no other way.

My eternal thanks for coming. My brother would have been overwhelmed by this

show of emotion.

Your brother was extraordinary.

There's no other man I know who could have achieved what Lawrence did and be

utterly unconcerned whether any kudos was awarded him or not.

My brother was just a man, and I will miss him dreadfully.

He would hope that he inspired his brother -in -law to lead extraordinary

Ned would want to wish that your life's journey was similarly enlightening and

extraordinary.

My apologies. I must thank the canon for this service.

Well, I will return to my canon fishing and Clem and I back to Chartwell.

Have you arranged it as you said you would?

Yes, Clemmie.

All organised.

On your knees.

On your knees!

Surely you wouldn't begrudge an Englishman a final cigarette.

Goodbye, Lauren.

See you.

We're all immortal.

For a limited time.

May 11th, 1935.

Ernest.

My thanks for helping to fix the gruff.

Your passing the cottage was fortuitous, and your strong conviction to flush the

fuel system, proving to be sandy from an ill -advised trip to Studman Beach, was

justified.

As a token of my gratitude, I've asked my publishers to send you a copy of

Pillars, which I hope to autograph for you when you next pass the cottage.

Best regards to your family.

Ned.

I loved you, so I drew these tides of men into my hand and wrote my will.

across the sky and stars, to gain you freedom, the seven -pillared worthy

that your eyes might be shining for me when I came. Death seemed my servant on

the road till we were near and saw you waiting. When you smiled and in

envy he outran me and took you apart into his quietness.

History teaches us to seek the truth by viewing the events of the past through

the optics of the present.

The British party newsreel of Lawrence's funeral has the air of stage

management. In an age before television, there was nothing more influential than

what millions saw in the cinema every week to sway public opinion.

Two days after Lawrence's funeral, a Transjordanian citizen, an emissary of

Abdullah, was killed in a hit -and -run as he crossed the street outside his

London hotel.

The driver of the black car failed to stop, and the vehicle and its owner were

never traced.

Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940, and on the 10th of June, Kell, the

head of MI5, a post he had held for 30 years, was sacked.

The change of direction reinvigorated the wartime MI5.

At the end of the war, Churchill stated that the work of the Secret Service

shortened the conflict by more than two years, saving thousands of lives.

A century has passed since the Paris Peace Conference, at which Lawrence,

Churchill, and King Faisal were delegates.

They championed self -governance for the Arab nations.

Instead, the English and French simply drew borders on a map, dividing the

spoil.

The Arabs' claims were ignored.

and Arab leaders have never forgotten or forgiven this betrayal.

This reckless lack of foresight sowed the seeds of the endless conflicts

the Middle East, which rage to this day.

And what of Lawrence, the uncrowned king of Arabia?

Rumors amongst the locals at his funeral said the coffin was empty and that

Lawrence had survived.

Others said that as a prince, he was akin to King Arthur, a once and future

king, and that he would return one day to fight for good and redress evil.

There were even rumors that he had been spirited away by Churchill to work for

British intelligence in Morocco during the war, where eventually he died in

Tangiers in 1968.

But that was all just a rumor.

Folklore and merely another legend of Lawrence after Arabia.

We dream of an Arabian night, peace and

tranquil starry night.

My will is written upon the star, until this will takes you apart.

Don't you pray the fire stops.

We could be living in peace.

After Arabia.

Death my servant on the road.

This old man dream of death is old.

This I did and would do for you.

Fallen heroes born anew. A last farewell to England's bride.

An end of songs, a turning tide.

Let us to the outlook climb.

Only immortal, unlimited time.

If I stopped, we could be living in peace.

Another riding the whirlwind.