25 December 1915

“I’m writing just a few words this morning, because it has surprised me by being Christmas day. I’m afraid that for you it will be no very happy day; however you have still Bob and Arnie left at home, which is far more than many people can have. Look forward all the time … I am now living in
the Savoy, which is the new Headquarters: the staff has been somewhat increased, and we have more to do: most of it is fiddling little work, but some of it is interesting.”

T. E. Lawrence to his family (The Home Letters of T. E. Lawrence and His Brothers, edited by M. R. Lawrence, published by Blackwell, 1954).

Lawrence’s Christmas message to his family reflects the tragedies
of the past year; but his anticipation of interesting work in the year ahead would be more than surpassed.