"In 1920, Billy Williams came to colonial Burma as a "forest man" for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence and character of the great animals who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted "elephant wallah." In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams's growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude. Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British ...
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"In 1920, Billy Williams came to colonial Burma as a "forest man" for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence and character of the great animals who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted "elephant wallah." In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams's growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude. Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British Force 136 and operated behind enemy lines. His war elephants carried supplies, helped build bridges, and transported the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head, Williams and his elephants faced their most perilous test. Elephant Company, cornered by the enemy, attempted a desperate escape: a risky trek over the mountainous border to India, with a bedraggled group of refugees in tow. Part biography, part war epic, Elephant Company is an inspirational narrative that illuminates a little-known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism"--Back cover.
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Seller's Description:
New in new dust jacket. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 368 p. Audience: General/trade. New 1st edition. Ships: SAME DAY (m-f) excluding holidays, when ordered before 2 PM PST with tracking and guarantee.
Learn so much more about the complex, awesome elephants and a neat look into historical colonial England's values and customs. I appreciated also a look into WWII in the Pacific. The documentation is excellent as well. It is also published in large print which is a vacation for the eyes. EXCELLENT. Will be buying a copy to give as a gift.
Sarah E. B
Nov 20, 2015
An interesting story taking place in Indonesia
It is an autobiography of a young man leaving Wales, and going to a foreign country to work in the teak harvesting system that Great Britain had going on there. Teak is harvested mainly by the elephant herds. There was one great elephant that stood out in this man's experience. It is the story of that wonderful relationship.
