Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
The House Is Perfected explained
The mobile column of aeroplanes, armoured cars, Arab regulars, and Bedouin assembles at Azrak to cut the three railways out of Deraa.
What happens
The mobile column of aeroplanes, armoured cars, Arab regulars, and Bedouin assembles at Azrak to cut the three railways out of Deraa. After successful demolitions, Allenby's attack scatters the Turkish armies. Lawrence flies to Palestine for air support and receives orders for a second phase. The forces move behind Deraa, join General Barrow, advance to Kiswe, and meet the Australian Mounted Corps. They enter Damascus unopposed, where confusion is allayed by Allenby's arrival. Lawrence is then released.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The mobile column's railway cutting and coordinated attacks exemplify guerrilla warfare against a conventional army.
Futility and Meaning
The swift collapse of Turkish resistance and Lawrence's subsequent release reflect the transient nature of military achievement.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Leads the mobile column, flies to Palestine for aeroplane help, and enters Damascus.
- General Allenby
Attacks and scatters Turkish armies, arrives in Damascus to smooth out difficulties.
- General Barrow
Joins the Arab forces and advances with them to Kiswe.
Key passages
“Our mobile column of aeroplanes, armoured cars, Arab regulars and Beduin collected at Azrak, to cut the three railways out of Deraa.”
A mixed force of aircraft, armored vehicles, Arab soldiers, and Bedouin gathered at Azrak with the goal of severing the three railway lines leading from Deraa.
Describes the composition and objective of the mobile column.
“Next day Allenby attacked, and in a few hours had scattered the Turkish armies beyond recovery.”
The following day, Allenby launched an assault that within hours routed the Turkish forces irretrievably.
Highlights the decisive impact of Allenby's offensive.
“Our united forces entered Damascus unopposed.”
The combined Allied and Arab forces marched into Damascus without facing any resistance.
Marks the unopposed entry into Damascus.