num_pages: 368
description: Billy Williams came to colonial Burma in 1920 fresh from service in World War I to a job as a forest man for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence character and even humor of the great animals who hauled logs through the remote jungles he became a gifted elephant wallah. Increasingly skilled at treating their illnesses and injuries he also championed more humane treatment for them even establishing an elephant school and hospital. In return he said the elephants made him a better man. The friendship of one magnificent tusker in particular Bandoola would be revelatory. In Elephant Company Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williamss growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage trust and gratitude. But Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Imperial Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942 Williams joined the elite Force 136 the British dirty tricks department operating behind enemy lines. His war elephants would carry supplies build bridges and transport the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. Now well versed in the ways of the jungle an older wiser Williams even added to his stable by smuggling more elephants out of Japanese-held territory. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head Williams and his elephants faced his most perilous test. In a Hollywood-worthy climax 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. Elephant Bills exploits would earn him top military honors and the praise of famed Field Marshal Sir William Slim.
language: English
title: Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II
publisher: Random House