T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 70

(not brooke or helen) To W.H.Brooke, Esq.,Ebbu Vale Plymouth Dear Brooke Here is a note which may help. But municipal appointments usually go to the cousins* of town councillors! The best of luck. I've signed "Shaw" and put my own name under it. Legally I'm not entitled to the second - but it doesn't matter. I've dated it 1931 on the off chance. Will you note the address it gives, as that's my permanent. I am likely to lose my funk-hole in the R.A.F. on April 1st. - good date. Best of luck to you: jobs are hard to get now-a-days. Ask me for anything you think I can do. It'll be little, I fear. Yours T. E. S L. Enclosure. Clouds Hill Moreton Dorset (note) I met Mr.Brooke during the war, and have kept in touch with him since: so* I write of him with special knowledge. His job in Arabia with me was semi-political, and called for great tact and patience. He was most successful, proving an excellent instructor, able to keep difficult classes in order. I can confidently re-commend him for any job which, in addition to the usual requirement of organising ability, demands the smooth and efficient handling of men - or women! He has the usual virtues, also: but so have most people. His great value to me, in the war, lay in his personal force and persuasiveness. An unusual man. T E Shaw ( formerly T E Lawrence ) 1931.