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Gertrude Bell’s frequent travels and the knowledge accumulated throughout travels in Mesopotamia at the turn of the century were invaluable to the British government.

Bell was born on July 14, 1868 in Washington Hall Durham County, England to a wealthy family. She was home schooled initially, continuing her education in 1884 at Margaret Hall, Oxford University, where she became the first woman to earn an honors degree in history after only two years’ study. After three years looking for a husband, expected of women during the Victorian Era, she visited Mesopotamia following a friend’s invitation. Bell was enchanted with the country, learning Arabic, Persian, and riding camels.

Bell eventually met the man she wanted to marry but her father wouldn’t give his blessing. True to the customs of the time she turned way from marriage and returned to England. Later, she learned her friend had died. Between 1897 and 1903 she made two – around – the - world trips, climbed the Alps, and considered so expert she was considered a “mountaineer.”

Returning to Arabia and Mesopotamia

From 1899 to 1900 she visited Jerusalem and Arab archaeological sites. During several forays Bell explored Arabia with her ever present large caravan of camels carrying her Wedgwood china, portable furniture, canvas bath, several tents, and furs and pearls. Her authentic interest in Arab culture and its people was reciprocated and she received their warmth in return. She took notes on the various tribes and customs, learning of the alliances and lineages of numerous sheiks during meetings with them. The Arabs came to call her the "Daughter of the Desert". She was renowned in later years as the "Uncrowned Queen of Iraq."

Organizing Arab Revolt Against Turkey

Shortly after volunteering with the Red Cross in France in 1915, Bell marked other firsts when she became the first woman hired by British military intelligence and the only commissioned female officer in the British army. She was addressed as Major Miss Bell.

Appointed to the Arab Bureau in Cairo she assisted the office, and T.E. Lawrence, in helping to organize an Arab rebellion against the Turks. In 1916, as part of the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force in Basra, she drew maps used by the British army to reach Baghdad. She was later awarded an M.B.E. for her work.

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