Jesus College alumnus Peter Wilson (MPhil Economics) is part of an expedition taking place this month to retrace the route of T.E. Lawrence (1907, History) across the Arabian desert on camel, in support of the Special Forces Club (SFC) Benevolent Fund.

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The Nasir, Bekri, Tayi and Lawrence Trek is being made in honour of Sherif Nasir, Nesib el Bekri, Auda Abu Tayi and T.E. Lawrence, whose gruelling 1100km journey across ‘the uncrossable desert’ led to the liberation of Aqaba in 1917.

Five former Special Forces members are making the 25-day trek on camelback. Peter, who studied for an MPhil in Economics at Jesus from 2002- 2004, is part of the support team. The expedition, which aims to cover 50km each day, begins in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia, with the route passing through the Well of Dathna and Bada before ascending the Hejaz Mountains, skirting the vast Nefud Desert, and traversing Fajer and the Meegowa Oasis. The five riders will then enter Wadi Sirhan, cross into Jordan, and head for the Bayir Fort and Ma’an. From there, they descend through the Hejaz into Wadi Rum, ultimately concluding at Aqaba Fort in Jordan.

Throughout the journey, the team will navigate harsh mountain and desert terrain, camp overnight on sustenance rations, and endure extreme and unpredictable conditions. Veterinary and safety teams will accompany the riders, and the ten camels will be ridden alternately, and given rest days, to maintain their welfare. Defender, Kashaf, Source (HR), Constantin Weisz, and Iqarus are supporting the expedition.

Beyond honouring Lawrence and his colleagues, the trek also aims to raise awareness and critical funds for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, a charity that provides essential assistance to veterans and their families during times of hardship.

If you would like to support the trek by making a donation, all details are on the expedition webpage here: https://www.sfcbf.org/trek.

Read more about T.E. Lawrence’s time at Jesus College here.