Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
Book VI: The Raid Upon the Bridges explained
In November 1917, as Allenby prepared a general offensive against the Turks, Lawrence chose a cautious half-measure: cutting the Yarmuk Valley Railway to disrupt the expected Turkish retreat.
What happens
In November 1917, as Allenby prepared a general offensive against the Turks, Lawrence chose a cautious half-measure: cutting the Yarmuk Valley Railway to disrupt the expected Turkish retreat. This operation ultimately failed, as Lawrence admits it deserved.
Themes in this chapter
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence's half-measure of cutting the railway is described as a 'specious operation' that 'met with the failure it deserved,' highlighting the futility of cautious strategies in war.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and strategist who designed the failed raid on the Yarmuk Valley Railway.
- General Allenby
Preparing a general attack against the Turks along his whole front.
Key passages
“By November, 1917, Allenby was ready to open a general attack against the Turks along his whole front.”
In November 1917, Allenby prepared a full-scale offensive against the Turkish forces.
Sets the strategic context for the chapter.
“I was afraid to put everything on a throw, and designed instead the specious operation of cutting the Yarmuk Valley Railway, to throw into disorder the expected Turkish retreat.”
Fearful of risking everything, Lawrence devised a deceptive plan to sever the Yarmuk Valley Railway and disrupt the anticipated Turkish withdrawal.
Lawrence explains his cautious and ultimately flawed strategy.
“This half-measure met with the failure it deserved.”
This incomplete effort failed, as Lawrence believed it rightfully should.
Lawrence's self-critical assessment of the operation's outcome.