Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
Chapter L explained
Lawrence and a raiding party under Zaal attempt to disrupt the Turkish railway near Deraa, facing internal tensions and strategic decisions.
What happens
Lawrence and a raiding party under Zaal attempt to disrupt the Turkish railway near Deraa, facing internal tensions and strategic decisions. They forgo an attack on a Turkish mule-mounted column to preserve forces for the capture of Akaba, destroy curved rails with gelignite, and later scout a bridge under repair before settling on a mining operation near Minifir.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The chapter details ambush planning, railway demolition, and the strategic choice to avoid battle to preserve forces for the primary objective of Akaba.
Suffering and Endurance
The harsh conditions of thirst, cold, and the fate of Turkish deserters highlight the physical and emotional toll of war.
Honor and Deception
The raid is a feint to mislead the Turks about the location of the main Arab force, while Zaal's authority and the Bedouin's desire for booty test their discipline.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Leads the raiding party with Zaal, makes strategic decisions to avoid unnecessary casualties and preserve focus on Akaba.
- Ibn Zaal
Commands the Howeitat raiders, restrains the eager Hubsi from attacking prematurely, and demonstrates authority over the Bedouin.
- Sherif Nasir
Mentioned as the leader who would not be grateful for prisoners; his strategic priorities influence Lawrence's decisions.
- Auda abu Tayi
Referenced as Zaal's deputy and a famous fighter; his authority underpins Zaal's control over the men.
- Hubsi
Auda's cousin, a spirited youth who tries to force a battle with the Turks but is subdued by Zaal.
Key passages
“We had one objective only, the capture of Akaba, and had come up here solely to make that easier by leading the Turks off on the false scent of thinking that we were at Azrak.”
Our single goal was to take Akaba, and this raid was only meant to deceive the Turks into believing our main force was at Azrak.
Lawrence explains the strategic purpose of the railway attack as a diversion.
“Zaal gave me his word that no regular cavalry, let alone mere mounted infantry, could cope with tribal camels in a running fight.”
Zaal assured me that even regular cavalry, much less mounted infantry, could not match tribal camel riders in a chase.
Highlights the tactical advantage of camel-mounted Bedouin fighters.
“We felt sorry always for the men of the Turkish Army. The officers, volunteer and professional, had caused the war by their ambition—almost by their existence—and we wished they could receive not merely their proportionate deserts, but all that the conscripts had to suffer through their fault.”
We always pitied the Turkish soldiers; the officers were responsible for the war through their ambition, and we wished they bore the full punishment instead of the conscripts.
Lawrence expresses sympathy for Turkish conscripts and resentment toward their officers.