Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
XCV explained
Lawrence returns to Allenby's headquarters to find that a premature British raid into Moab, based on exaggerated promises from Beni Sakhr sheikhs, has miscarried.
What happens
Lawrence returns to Allenby's headquarters to find that a premature British raid into Moab, based on exaggerated promises from Beni Sakhr sheikhs, has miscarried. Allenby, constrained by the German offensive in France, must hold his position. Lawrence secures two thousand camels from the disbanded Imperial Camel Brigade, a gift that promises the Arabs unlimited mobility. He brings the news to Feisal at Aba el Lissan, sparking jubilation among the chiefs and setting the stage for future operations against Deraa.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
Lawrence secures camels to enable rapid Arab mobility, planning to strike Deraa and disrupt Turkish supply lines.
Honor and Deception
Bols is deceived by Beni Sakhr sheikhs' empty promises; Lawrence uses technicalities to outmaneuver Q for the camels.
Love and Sacrifice
Feisal's emotional response to the camel gift reflects the deep personal investment in the Arab cause.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Returns to Allenby's camp, negotiates for camels, and brings news of the gift to Feisal.
- General Allenby
Commander-in-Chief who grants Lawrence two thousand camels despite Q's objections.
- Emir Feisal
Receives the news of the camels with joy, seeing it as the means to victory.
- General Bols
Mistakenly reports success in Salt based on Beni Sakhr promises.
- Guy Dawnay
Meets Lawrence and discusses the situation; later helps with logistics.
- Young
Takes over transport and quartermaster duties, solving supply problems.
- Sherif Nasir
Appointed to disrupt the railway and buy time for Allenby's recovery.
- Ibn Zaal
Speaks for the chiefs, blessing Allenby and Lawrence upon hearing the camel news.
Key passages
“Well, we're in Salt all right.”
Bols mistakenly announces that British forces have captured Salt.
Highlights the confusion and over-optimism following the Beni Sakhr's false promises.
“What are you going to do with their camels?”
Lawrence asks Allenby about the fate of the Imperial Camel Brigade's camels.
Leads to Lawrence's successful negotiation for two thousand camels.
“To put a thousand men into Deraa any day you please.”
Lawrence explains his strategic intent for the camels: rapid deployment against Deraa.
Shows Lawrence's focus on mobility and surprise in guerrilla warfare.
“God has sent the means of victory—two thousand riding-camels.”
Feisal announces the camel gift as a divine blessing for the Arab cause.
Captures the emotional and symbolic significance of the camels for the revolt.
