T. E. Lawrence to Air Chief Marshal Sir Edward Ellington

Bridlington
Yorks.

25.2.35

Dear Sir Edward,

Not many airmen, fortunately, write to their Chief of Staff upon
discharge; but I was admitted by the first C.A.S. so hesitantly that perhaps it is in order for me to thank his successor for the forbearance which has left me to complete the twelve years.

I've been at home in the ranks, and well and happy: consequently I leave with a sense of obligation, though always I have tried in return to do everything that the rules - or my chiefs - would allow.

So if you still keep that old file about me, will you please close it with this note which says how sadly I am going? The R.A.F. has been much more than my profession.

Yours sincerely

T E Shaw.