Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
XXVII explained
The Arab army advances on Wejh, finding the town already taken by Saleh ibn Shefia's men after a costly assault.
What happens
The Arab army advances on Wejh, finding the town already taken by Saleh ibn Shefia's men after a costly assault. Lawrence reflects on the unnecessary casualties and destruction, contrasting the military perspective with his own view that every death is a personal loss. The chapter details the aftermath, including looting, the landing of supplies, and Feisal's appointment of Maulud as governor to restore order. The capture of Wejh marks a turning point, securing the Arab movement's position in Western Arabia.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The assault on Wejh demonstrates the evolving tactics of the Arab army, including open-order advances and the use of local knowledge, while Lawrence critiques the necessity of direct confrontation.
Suffering and Endurance
The casualties and destruction in Wejh highlight the human cost of war, with Lawrence mourning the loss of friends and the wanton damage to the town.
Honor and Deception
Lawrence's reflection on the 'profitable rumours' and the contrast between military gain and personal loss touches on the deceptive nature of war and the ethics of leadership.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrates the assault on Wejh, expressing regret over unnecessary casualties and reflecting on the cost of the victory.
- Emir Feisal
Warned the townspeople of the attack and later appointed Maulud as Town-governor to stop looting.
- Saleh ibn Shefia
His son led the capture of Wejh, reporting nearly twenty casualties.
- Maulud el Mukhlus
Appointed Town-governor of Wejh by Feisal, restored order through harsh measures.
- Old Dakhil-Allah
Commanded the Ageyl during the advance, maintaining orderly discipline.
- Vickery
Directed the battle and was satisfied with the outcome, though Lawrence disagreed.
Key passages
“To me an unnecessary action, or shot, or casualty, was not only waste but sin.”
Lawrence considers any avoidable violence or loss of life to be morally wrong, not just wasteful.
Expresses Lawrence's personal ethics against the professional military view.
“Our rebels were not materials, like soldiers, but friends of ours, trusting our leadership.”
Lawrence sees the Arab fighters as personal comrades, not expendable resources.
Highlights the bond between Lawrence and the Arab forces.
“The two hundred Turks in Wejh had no transport and no food, and if left alone a few days must have surrendered.”
The Turkish garrison was already doomed by lack of supplies, making the assault unnecessary.
Lawrence's critique of the tactical decision to attack.