Four British veterans have successfully recreated one of the most iconic treks in history, retracing Lawrence of Arabia’s legendary 700-mile journey across the Middle East.
The remarkable adventure commemorated the 90th anniversary of T.E. Lawrence’s death and was a fitting tribute to the man who reshaped the Middle East during World War I.
The Journey Across the Nafud Desert
The four men—Howard Leedham, James Calder, Craig Ross, and Martin Thompson—embarked on a grueling 25-day journey through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, retracing Lawrence’s epic trek through the Nafud Desert.
Their challenge took them from Al Wajh in Saudi Arabia to Aqaba in Jordan, pushing their physical limits as they faced scorching heat, sandstorms, and rough desert terrain.
The team, all veterans of the British Special Forces, spent their days riding camels and camping under the stars, with temperatures soaring up to 37°C by day and dropping below freezing at night.
From Pub Idea to Historic Trek
The idea for the trek was born over a conversation at a pub in London in May 2024, where Howard Leedham, a former SBS marine, shared his admiration for Lawrence’s legendary exploits.
Leedham, who spearheaded the project, had always been fascinated by Lawrence’s tactics and accomplishments, which are still studied by military forces today.
“What he achieved was certainly ahead of his time,” Leedham said.
“The tactics he used have been copied ever since.”
With a vision in mind, Leedham launched an advert on social media, calling for special forces veterans to join him on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
After receiving over 40 responses, he selected Calder, Ross, and Thompson to join the expedition, despite the fact that none of them had ever ridden camels before.
Training and Preparation for the Trek
Before setting off, the team underwent a ten-day camel-riding course to prepare for the journey.
The physical demands of the trek were significant, requiring each member to ride two camels per day.
Accompanied by a team of medics, cooks, and a Bedouin camel caretaker, they braved the harsh desert conditions while following Lawrence’s historic route.
A Historic Reenactment of Lawrence’s Battle
The expedition reached a symbolic milestone on the penultimate day, when the team, along with 40 local participants, reenacted Lawrence’s famous attack on an Ottoman train.
This thrilling moment included friends and family members, who had traveled to celebrate the group’s success.
The re-enactment was met with mixed reactions, as the train staff were aware of the staged attack, but the tourists on board were understandably startled.
The Grand Finale and Jordanian Welcome
After completing the trek, the team arrived in Aqaba on February 7, 2025, where they were warmly welcomed by King Abdullah II of Jordan, military personnel, and the local community.
The grand welcome included traditional music, ceremonial displays, and a parade, marking the triumphant end of their 1,100-kilometer journey.
The group was also able to raise an impressive £430,000 for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, with hopes to reach their £500,000 target before the ceremony at Lawrence’s grave in May.
Remembering Lawrence of Arabia
T.E. Lawrence, who became known as Lawrence of Arabia for his role in leading the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule during World War I, died in a motorbike accident in 1935.
His remarkable contributions to the war and his groundbreaking journey through the desert have been immortalized in books and films.
The group’s journey culminated in a symbolic gesture—spreading sand collected from key locations along the route on Lawrence’s grave in Moreton, Dorset.
The veterans plan to reunite in May 2025, 90 years after Lawrence’s death, for a final tribute at his grave, completing their mission and marking the culmination of their extraordinary challenge.
Leedham hinted at another potential fundraising adventure in 2026, as the team continues to honor the legacy of one of history’s most intriguing military figures.
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