Gertrude Bell

At the outbreak of the war Gertrude signed up with the Red Cross and worked in a liaison role initially in France and then London with the wounded and missing department.

In 1915 because of her knowledge and language of the Arab world she was invited to join the newly formed Arab Bureau in Cairo. Her she worked alongside Middle East specialists including T E Lawrence to destabilize the Ottoman empire and encourage an Arab uprising. 

Gertrude continued to work for the British Government throughout the war becoming the only paid female political officer in the Middle East and awarded a CBE for her efforts. 

Members of the WFA and non-members alike are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like minded enthusiasts. 

We ask for a modest £5 donation to defray costs, this will include a fee tea or coffee and entry into our famous raffle.