# CXIII explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

> Chapter companion for Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

## What happens

Lawrence travels to Allenby's headquarters after the Turkish retreat is shattered, coordinating air support and planning the final advance on Damascus. Meanwhile, Nasir and Lawrence deal with wavering local loyalties, a Turkish armored train attack, and a failed demolition raid, before returning to Azrak to learn of Allenby's decisive victory.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

Lawrence coordinates air support and armoured cars, while Nasir manages local loyalties and a failed demolition raid.

### Suffering and Endurance

Lawrence and Nasir endure sleepless nights, strain, and the constant threat of bombing and shelling.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Travels to Allenby's HQ, coordinates air support, and leads a failed demolition raid.

### Emir Feisal

Receives word of Allenby's victory and is counseled to launch a general revolt.

### Sherif Nasir

Deals with wavering local villagers and manages the Arab force's morale.

### General Allenby

At headquarters, calm and confident, planning the next thrusts across Jordan.

### Joyce

Commands armoured cars at Umtaiye, helps with landing grounds, and later arrives at Azrak.

### Air Vice-Marshal Salmond

Coordinates air support, arranging Bristol fighters and a Handley-Page for Lawrence.

## Key lines

> Allenby had been so sure, before he started, that to him the result was almost boredom: but no general, however scientific, could see his intricate plan carried out over an enormous field in every particular with complete success, and not know an inward gladness

Allenby was so confident of victory that the outcome seemed almost dull, yet even a methodical commander would feel deep satisfaction at seeing such a complex plan executed flawlessly across a vast area.

_Lawrence reflects on Allenby's calm demeanor and the joy of a perfectly executed campaign._

> The cooperation of the air with his unfolding scheme had been so ready and elastic, the liaison so complete and informed and quick. It was the R.A.F. , which had converted the Turkish retreat into rout

The air force worked so seamlessly with Allenby's plan, with rapid and thorough communication, that it turned the Turkish withdrawal into a chaotic flight.

_Lawrence highlights the critical role of air power in the victory._

> I felt immoral, enjoying white tablecloths, and coffee, and soldier servants, while our people at Umtaiye lay like lizards among the stones, eating unleavened bread, and waiting for the next plane to bomb them.

Lawrence felt guilty enjoying the comforts of Allenby's headquarters while his Arab allies endured harsh conditions and constant bombing.

_Lawrence's sense of guilt and the contrast between British luxury and Arab hardship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters