Title: Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II
Author: Vicki Constantine Croke
First published January 1, 2014
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781400069330 (ISBN10: 1400069335)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke recounts the remarkable journey of Billy Williams, a man who found his calling in colonial Burma as an elephant wallah. A former World War I soldier, Williams was captivated by the intelligence and character of the great animals that hauled logs through the remote jungles.
He became an expert in treating their illnesses and injuries and championed more humane treatment for them, even establishing an elephant “school” and “hospital.” Through his friendship with one magnificent tusker, Bandoola, Williams learned lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude that transformed him into a better man.
But Elephant Company is not just a story of friendship and personal growth. When Imperial Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the British dirty tricks department, operating behind enemy lines.
His war elephants were essential in carrying supplies, building bridges, and transporting the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. Williams, now older and wiser, even smuggled more elephants out of Japanese-held territory.
As the occupying authorities put a price on his head, Williams and his elephants faced their most perilous test. In a daring escape attempt, Elephant Company led a bedraggled group of refugees across the mountainous border to India.
Williams’ exploits earned him top military honors and the praise of famed Field Marshal Sir William Slim.
Elephant Company is a gripping tale of courage, compassion, and loyalty that will leave readers in awe of the incredible bond between humans and animals in times of war.
About the Author
For over 10 years, Vicki Constantine Croke has dedicated her work to covering pets and wildlife. She wrote a column called “Animal Beat” for The Boston Globe and has contributed to other publications such as Time, People, The Washington Post, and Popular Science.
In addition to her journalism work, Croke has authored several books including The Lady and the Panda, Animal ER, and The Modern Ark. She also worked as a writer and producer for CNN.
Croke is a contributing reporter for the National Public Radio environment show “Living on Earth” and is currently consulting on a two-hour documentary about gorillas for the A&E channel.
Editoral Review
Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II by Vicki Constantine Croke is a stunning work of historical non-fiction that tells the story of James Howard “Billy” Williams, a British explorer who became a hero in the jungles of Burma during World War II. Croke’s book is a moving tribute to not only Williams but also the remarkable elephants who became his partners in an extraordinary adventure.
Vicki Constantine Croke is a journalist and regular contributor to National Geographic, as well as the host of WBUR’s The Wild Life. With Elephant Company, Croke proves that she is also a gifted storyteller.
She brings to life the colorful characters, exotic landscapes, and dangerous wartime era in vivid detail, skillfully weaving together Williams’ personal story with that of the larger historical conflict. The book follows Williams as he navigates the difficult terrain of Burma in the 1930s and 1940s, making his living as an ivory trader and later as a mahout, or elephant trainer.
As war looms on the horizon, Williams and his elephant companions are called upon by the British army to help transport men and supplies through the jungle, often under harrowing conditions. Along the way, Williams forms a bond with his elephants that is both touching and awe-inspiring, and which helps to save countless lives.
One of the strengths of Elephant Company is Croke’s ability to convey the deep emotional connections that Williams and the elephants shared. She gives voice to these extraordinary creatures, revealing their intelligence, loyalty, and resilience, and demonstrating how they were more than mere tools for human use.
Croke’s writing is also marked by a poetic sensibility, which imbues even the most mundane details with a sense of wonder and beauty. While Elephant Company is primarily a work of historical non-fiction, it also has important resonances for today’s world.
Croke reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and respect for all living beings, as well as the dangers of imperialism, racism, and war. She also highlights the crucial role that animals have played in human history and the need to protect them from exploitation and abuse.
One of the few criticisms of Elephant Company is that it can, at times, feel overly sentimental or romanticized. While Croke is certainly successful in conveying the powerful emotional connections between Williams and the elephants, some readers may find that she exaggerates their intelligence and agency to an unrealistic degree.
Additionally, the book occasionally jumps back and forth in time and place, which can make it difficult to follow the narrative thread. Overall, Elephant Company is a remarkable achievement, both as a work of historical non-fiction and as a tribute to the resilience and heroism of both humans and animals.
It is highly recommended for anyone interested in history, nature, or the human-animal bond. Conveying the important values of empathy, compassion, and respect for nature, elephant lovers and nature enthusiasts alike will love this book.
