Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
XXIII explained
Lawrence details the meticulous planning and logistical preparations for the attack on Wejh, including coordination with the Navy under Captain Boyle, the movement of Feisal's army, and the challenges of supply and water.
What happens
Lawrence details the meticulous planning and logistical preparations for the attack on Wejh, including coordination with the Navy under Captain Boyle, the movement of Feisal's army, and the challenges of supply and water. He reflects on tensions with European advisers like Vickery, who doubted the Arab cause, and describes a ceremonial march with Feisal. The chapter ends with Lawrence racing back to Yenbo to manage affairs with Zeid and the Dufferin.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
Detailed planning of the amphibious assault on Wejh, including naval bombardment, water supply, and coordinated land movements.
Colonialism and Imperialism
European advisers like Vickery dismiss Arab capabilities; Lawrence reflects on the blindness of European advisers to the nature of rebellion.
Honor and Deception
The Billi tribe's sudden loyalty to the Sherif as the Arab army approaches, highlighting shifting allegiances.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and planner of the Wejh attack; reflects on his outburst about reaching Damascus and tensions with Vickery.
- Emir Feisal
Leads the Arab army; receives updates and leads a ceremonial march with his bodyguard.
- Captain Boyle
Naval commander coordinating the attack on Wejh; provides ships, water, and landing support.
- Vickery
European adviser who criticizes Lawrence as a braggart; later arrives to assist with the timetable.
- Sherif Zeid
Embarks on the Dufferin; Lawrence rushes to manage his departure.
- Saleh ibn Shefia
Leads the Arab landing party of Harb and Juheina peasants for the Wejh attack.
- Sherif Sharraf
Rides at Feisal's right during the ceremonial march.
- Old Dakhil-Allah
Sheikh of Russ who marshals the Ageyl into ordered ranks during the march.
Key passages
“I was so joyous that for a moment I forgot my self-control, and said exultingly that in a year we would be tapping on the gates of Damascus.”
Lawrence was so excited that he lost his composure and boasted they would reach Damascus within a year.
Lawrence's outburst is criticized by Vickery but later proves prescient.
“The Arabs nearly made shipwreck through this blindness of European advisers, who would not see that rebellion was not war: indeed, was more of the nature of peace—a national strike perhaps.”
European advisers failed to understand that rebellion is fundamentally different from conventional war, resembling a national strike.
Lawrence critiques the military mindset of European officers.
“Boyle looked at the ruins and said: “I’m rather ashamed of myself for smashing such a potty place.””
Boyle felt embarrassed for destroying such a small and insignificant fort.
Reflects Boyle's professional demeanor and the scale of naval bombardments.
