Veterans on the Lawrence Trek

In 2025, four former UK Special Forces veterans undertook a 1,100km, 25-day camel trek across the Arabian desert, retracing the 1917 route of T.E. Lawrence, Sherif Nasir, Auda Abu Tayi and Nesib el Bekri to Aqaba.

The journey followed the original path through the Hejaz Mountains, Wadi Rum and the Nefud Desert, culminating in a ceremonial arrival at Aqaba Fort. It marked the first time the historic route had been completed on camels since the original mission more than a century ago.

More than a historical tribute, the trek carried modern purpose. The team set out to raise awareness and funds for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, which provides vital support to veterans and their families facing hardship, illness and injury. To date, the expedition has raised over £800,000, significantly strengthening what the Fund can deliver to those who rely on it.

International SOS, through its group company Iqarus, deployed a former Special Forces paramedic to embed with the team throughout the expedition. Many of Iqarus’ clinicians are veterans themselves, bringing operational experience and cultural understanding to demanding environments.

Operating in extreme desert conditions presents acute environmental and medical risks, with limited evacuation options and minimal tolerance for error. Prolonged heat exposure, dehydration, fatigue and musculoskeletal strain required constant monitoring and practical medical oversight across 25 days in the saddle.

The embedded paramedic provided continuous support to the riders and worked closely with veterinary and safety teams to ensure the welfare of both the team and their camels. In terrain where evacuation options are limited and temperatures unforgiving, experienced clinical judgement on the ground provided resilience and reassurance.

The expedition also recreated elements of Lawrence’s campaign, including a historical re-enactment of the sabotage of the Ottoman railway conducted with the Jordanian Historical Commission. The journey concluded with a formal reception in Aqaba attended by Jordanian authorities and military representatives, recognising both the historic tribute and enduring alliances.

The final chapter of the trek took place in Dorset at T.E. Lawrence’s grave. Sands collected from five points along the route to Aqaba were laid to rest there, closing the circle of the expedition.

For International SOS and Iqarus, the Lawrence Tribute Trek demonstrated once again the importance of embedded clinical support in complex environments. Whether in desert heat, at altitude or alongside operational teams, the principle remains consistent: experienced medical capability, often delivered by veterans, positioned alongside those undertaking demanding missions.

The destination may change. The requirement for preparedness does not.

To learn more about International SOS and Iqarus’ work supporting complex operations worldwide, visit International SOS’ profile on Troopr and explore how their veteran-informed clinical expertise continues to deliver critical support in high-risk and remote environments.