Bertram Sidney Thomas, born in 1892 near Bristol in the west of England, is remembered in the world of Arabian exploration, particularly for his unprecedented journey across the Rub’ al Khali, or “Empty Quarter.” This English civil servant, diplomat, and explorer not only marked his name as the first documented Westerner to traverse this vast desert but also contributed significantly to the field of craniofacial anthropometry. His encounters with the Bedouin tribes and the meticulous documentation of the Arabian desert’s flora and fauna offer a rich narrative of adventure, diplomacy, and scientific inquiry. Thomas’s legacy, further immortalized through awards such as the OBE, CMG, and the Livingstone Medal, and the naming of Omani reptile species in his honour, reflects a life dedicated to bridging cultures and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge. This narrative delves into the detailed facets of Thomas’s life, from his early years in Somerset to his defining journey across one of the world’s most formidable deserts, shedding light on his enduring contributions to exploration, science, and international relations.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Education
Bertram Sidney Thomas’ life began in the quaint village of Pill, near Bristol. Born into the serene landscapes of Somerset, Thomas’s early life was steeped in the pastoral tranquillity of the English countryside. His academic pursuits led him to Trinity College, Cambridge, where the foundations of his future explorations were laid amidst the hallowed halls of learning.
Military and Early Career
The outbreak of World War I saw Thomas commissioning into the Somerset Light Infantry in January 1916. His service extended to the harsh terrains of Mesopotamia (now Iraq), where he first encountered the vast cultural and geographical diversity that would define his later explorations. Post-war, Thomas’ career trajectory took him deeper into the Middle Eastern tapestry as an Assistant Political Officer in Mesopotamia and later, from 1922 to 1924, as an Assistant British Representative in Transjordan (now Jordan). These roles not only deepened his understanding of the region but also his resolve to explore the uncharted deserts that lay beyond.
In 1925, Thomas’s journey took a pivotal turn when he was appointed Finance Minister and Wazir to Sultan Taimur bin Feisal of Muscat and Oman (now Oman). This position not only elevated him within the echelons of Middle Eastern diplomacy but also provided him with the unique opportunity to embark on several expeditions into the heart of the desert, setting the stage for his historic crossing of the Rub’ al Khali.
The Call to Adventure
Bertram Thomas’ transition from a military officer to a key figure in Middle Eastern diplomacy marked a significant phase in his life. Leading the Middle East Centre for Arab Studies in Jerusalem during World War II, Thomas played a pivotal role in educating British Army officers on the Arabic language and culture. This period not only underscored his deep engagement with the region’s cultural and political landscapes but also his commitment to fostering understanding between the West and the Middle East.
His work in Jerusalem reflected a broader narrative of Thomas’ life, one that was deeply rooted in bridging cultural divides. Through his leadership, he cultivated a generation of officers who were not only linguistically equipped but also culturally sensitive to the complexities of the Arab world. This unique blend of diplomacy and education underscored Thomas’s belief in the power of knowledge and mutual respect as tools for navigating the intricate socio-political terrains of the Middle East.
This phase of his career served as a prelude to his most ambitious venture yet—crossing the Rub’ al Khali. It was during these years of diplomatic service and scholarly pursuit that Thomas’ desire to explore the uncharted territories of Arabia took a definitive shape. His role as a cultural ambassador laid the groundwork for the trust and alliances that would be crucial for his later expeditions into the desert. Through his work in Jerusalem, Thomas not only left an indelible mark on the British military’s approach to Arab studies but also prepared himself for the rigours and challenges of desert exploration.
Crossing the Empty Quarter: The Journey
The aspiration to traverse the Rub’ al Khali did not arise from a mere whim. It was a carefully planned endeavour, shrouded in secrecy, primarily because Thomas knew the British government, aware of the perilous nature of the venture, would have dissuaded or outright forbidden it. This phase of preparation involved meticulous planning, from understanding the daunting geographical challenges presented by the Empty Quarter to securing the trust and cooperation of local Bedouin tribes.
The Rub’ al Khali, known for its vast expanses of unrelenting desert, posed significant navigational and survival challenges. Thomas’s preparatory steps included gathering detailed information on potential water sources, mapping out possible routes through the dunes, and arranging for sufficient supplies to sustain the expedition. His diplomatic skills, honed over years of service in the region, were instrumental in assembling a team of local guides and camel handlers who shared his adventurous spirit yet understood the desert’s dangers well.
The Expedition Itself
In late 1930, Thomas’ plans culminated in the commencement of one of the most audacious exploratory journeys of the 20th century. With a carefully selected team and a caravan of camels, he embarked on the historic crossing of the Rub’ al Khali. The expedition’s route took them through some of the most inhospitable terrains on Earth, including towering sand dunes, vast barren plains, and occasional oases that offered scant relief from the relentless sun.
The journey was fraught with challenges, from navigating through treacherous sandstorms to managing the logistical difficulties of moving a caravan across vast stretches of sand. Thomas’s leadership and the expertise of his Bedouin companions were crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Their deep understanding of the desert’s moods and their ability to read the subtle signs of the landscape were invaluable assets that guided the expedition safely across the Empty Quarter.
Thomas’ crossing of the Rub’ al Khali was not just a physical journey through space but a voyage of discovery that pushed the limits of human endurance and courage. It was a testament to his unwavering determination, his respect for the desert and its people, and his insatiable curiosity about the world’s unexplored corners.
Discoveries and Achievements
Scientific Contributions
Throughout the crossing of the Rub’ al Khali, Bertram Thomas not only achieved an unprecedented feat of exploration but also made significant scientific contributions. His journey through the Empty Quarter yielded a treasure trove of data on the region’s natural history. Thomas collected over 400 specimens of the desert’s flora and fauna, among which 21 were previously unknown to science. This meticulous documentation provided valuable insights into the biodiversity of one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
These collections were more than just a catalogue of species; they represented a window into the ecological dynamics of the Rub’ al Khali. Thomas’s findings were crucial in enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of desert ecosystems and their adaptation strategies to harsh conditions. His work laid the groundwork for future biological and ecological studies in the region, demonstrating the desert’s complexity and the intricate relationships between its inhabitants.
Cultural Impact and Anthropological Insights
Beyond the scientific realm, Thomas’ journey was rich with cultural and anthropological insights. His interactions with the Bedouin tribes of the Empty Quarter offered a unique perspective on their traditions, social structures, and ways of life. Through his detailed observations and respectful engagement, Thomas was able to document aspects of Bedouin culture that were largely unknown to the outside world at that time.
His book “Arabia Felix” is not just an account of his journey but a testament to the deep cultural understanding and mutual respect that characterised his interactions with the desert’s inhabitants. Thomas’s work contributed significantly to the field of anthropology, providing a nuanced view of the Bedouin tribes that challenged prevailing stereotypes and enriched the world’s understanding of Arabian culture.
Legacy and Recognition
Bertram Thomas’s remarkable journey across the Rub’ al Khali and his contributions to the fields of exploration, science, and anthropology did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, Thomas was awarded several prestigious honors. In 1920, he received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services, a testament to his significant contributions during and after World War I. His exploratory and diplomatic efforts were further acknowledged in 1949 when he was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), an honor reserved for those who have rendered important services in relation to Commonwealth or foreign nations.
In 1932, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society bestowed upon Thomas the Livingstone Medal, one of its most prestigious awards. This accolade is offered for outstanding service of a humanitarian nature with a clear geographical dimension, underscoring Thomas’s role in enhancing understanding between different cultures and his contributions to geographical exploration.
Enduring Legacy
Thomas’s legacy extends beyond the medals and accolades. His journey through the Rub’ al Khali has inspired countless adventurers and researchers interested in the Arabian Peninsula’s geography and culture. The naming of two species of Omani reptiles,Platyceps thomasi and Uromastyx thomasi, in his honor, serves as a biological testament to his impact on the scientific community. These species stand as a perpetual reminder of Thomas’s contributions to the understanding of the region’s natural history.
Bertram Thomas’ work continues to be a reference point for scholars and explorers alike. His detailed accounts of the Arabian desert and its inhabitants offer invaluable insights into a world that was, at the time, largely unknown to the outside. Through his writings, Thomas has provided future generations with a window into the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, ensuring that his spirit of adventure and discovery remains alive.
Bertram Thomas’s name is etched not only as the first European to cross the Rub’ al Khali but also as a figure who bridged worlds, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Arabian desert and its cultures. His legacy is a mosaic of courage, diplomacy, and scholarly pursuit, illuminating the path for those who follow in his footsteps.
