Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
Book III: A Railway Diversion explained
After the capture of Wejh, the Turks shift to a defensive posture around Medina and its railway.
What happens
After the capture of Wejh, the Turks shift to a defensive posture around Medina and its railway. Lawrence falls ill and reconsiders the campaign's strategy, advocating for a principle of deployment over direct assault. He decides to test his theory by slipping off to Akaba alone.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
Lawrence reconsiders the campaign's strategy, favoring deployment and mobility over direct assault on Medina.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence's illness leads him to question the established theory and seek a more meaningful approach to the war.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and strategist; falls sick, rethinks campaign, decides to test his theory at Akaba.
- Emir Feisal
Prepares his part in the planned attack on the retreating enemy.
- Abdullah
Lawrence goes to seek his cooperation for the campaign.
- Enver Pasha
Ordered by Germans to evacuate Medina.
- General Allenby
Referred to as Sir Archibald Murray; requests a sustained attack to destroy the retreating enemy.
Key passages
“Our taking Wejh had the wished effect upon the Turks, who abandoned their advance towards Mecca for a passive defence of Medina and its railway.”
The capture of Wejh caused the Turks to stop their march on Mecca and instead focus on defending Medina and the railway.
Strategic shift after Wejh.
“Thinking convinced me that our recent practice had been better than our theory.”
Reflecting on the campaign, Lawrence concluded that their actual actions were more effective than their planned strategies.
Lawrence's strategic epiphany.
“So I decided to slip off to Akaba by myself on test of my own theory.”
Lawrence resolved to go alone to Akaba to prove his new strategic ideas.
Lawrence's solo mission to test his theory.