Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
LII explained
Nasir's preparations and the Arab force's successful repair of the Jefer well set the stage for an attack on Fuweilah.
What happens
Nasir's preparations and the Arab force's successful repair of the Jefer well set the stage for an attack on Fuweilah. After an initial setback, the Dhumaniyeh tribe captures the fort. Lawrence's party then destroys railway bridges near Ghadir el Haj, but a Turkish relief battalion unexpectedly arrives at Aba el Lissan, forcing the Arabs to abandon the pass.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The chapter details the Arab strategy of surprise attacks, railway demolition, and exploiting Turkish logistical weaknesses.
Suffering and Endurance
The harsh conditions of the desert, the heat, and the physical labor of repairing the well highlight the endurance required for the campaign.
Characters to notice
- Sherif Nasir
Nasir had done great work, securing flour from Tafileh and letters from Howeitat clans.
- Nuri Shaalan
Nuri Shaalan sent a messenger with greetings and news of Turkish cavalry movements.
- Auda abu Tayi
Auda sat up and talked like a river, telling stories; Lawrence reproved him for talking too much.
- T.E. Lawrence
Lawrence led the ride to Jefer, supervised the well repair, and directed the attack on the railway.
- Old Dakhil-Allah
Dhaif-Allah (Roberts) sent secret word about the Jefer well and later reported the Turkish column's arrival.
Key passages
“Nasir had done great work. A week's flour for us had come from Tafileh, to restore our freedom of movement. We might well take Akaba before we starved again.”
Nasir's efforts secured a week's supply of flour from Tafileh, allowing the force to move freely and aim for Akaba before running out of food.
Highlights Nasir's logistical success and the urgency of the Akaba operation.
“We were within sight of Maan, during those minutes of the day in which the mirage did not make eyes and glasses useless; and yet we strolled about admiring our new well-lip in complete security, because the Turkish garrison believed water impossible here or at Bair.”
Despite being visible from Maan, the Arabs worked openly at the repaired well because the Turks thought the water sources were destroyed.
Illustrates the element of surprise and Turkish underestimation of Arab capabilities.
“We had lost Aba el Lissan, the blockhouse, the pass, the command of the Akaba road: without a shot being fired.”
The Arabs lost control of the strategic pass and road to Akaba without any fighting, due to the unexpected arrival of a Turkish relief battalion.
Emphasizes the sudden reversal of fortune and the impact of Turkish reinforcements.