Middle East in WWI Pt 13 Arab Revolt On June 5, 1916, Sherif Hussein proclaims Arab independence from the sultan in Istanbul; five days later, the Turkish garrison at Mecca surrenders. The Cairo Bureau assigns Major T.E. Lawrence to coordinate military operations with the Arab rebels. Yet much confusion exists as to the revolt's actual strength; British intelligence relies on a single Arab source whose information is suspect. Promoted to colonel, "Lawrence of Arabia" and Prince Feisal lead the Arab Revolt in earnest by the start of 1918. His guerrillas attack the Hejaz Railway, running some 600 miles from Medina to Amman. Lawrence's actions pin down 25,000 Ottoman troops in blockhouses and outposts along the train line. By September, Lawrence and his guerrillas move north to operate on Allenby's right flank. Arab strength never totals more than 6,000 men, but they are bolstered by British armored cars and light machine guns; British gold helps to keep them fighting. Show Less >>