Why do some biographers question T.E. Lawrence’s account of his capture at Daraa?

In his memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence claimed that while reconnoitering in Daraa in November 1917, he was captured by Turkish forces, recognized, and subjected to homosexual brutalization before escaping.12

While this account is often cited as a pivotal moment that left Lawrence with lasting physical and psychological scars, some biographers question the veracity of the story. The skepticism arises because the event is primarily known through Lawrence’s own accounts, which he variously reported or disguised over time. Critics of his work often point to his tendency toward self-aggrandizement and note that his memoir can be lacking in historical accuracy, leading some to view his more dramatic personal narratives with caution. Despite these debates, the experience is generally accepted by many as a defining, albeit traumatic, episode in his wartime service.12