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

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

J. H. "Billy" Williams always had an affinity for animals. So, when he responded to a job offer with the East India Company to work with logging elephants his family wasn't surprised, though they were worried. He had already come back from World War I in one piece; would he be so lucky with India? Not only did he find his calling with the elephants in India, Billy and his elephants became war heroes.

At the onset of World War II, Williams formed Elephant Company and was instrumental in defeating the Japanese in Burma and saving refugees, including on his own "Hannibal Trek". Billy Williams became a media sensation during the war, telling reporters that the elephants did more for him than he was ever able to do for them, but his story has since been forgotten. Part biography, part war story, and part wildlife adventure, Croke delivers an utterly charming narrative and an important, little-known piece of the legacy of World War II. Vicki Constantine Croke has been covering pets and wildlife for more than two decades. She has anchored NECN-TV's The Secret Life of Animals and wrote the Boston Globe's "Animal Beat" column for 13 years.

©2014 Vicki Constantine Croke (P)2014 Recorded Books

when men were men

I loved this story. on every page love. passion and the commitment of one's entire being to those loved and passions. narration very well done and a wonderfully talented written account.

Tremendously engaging. An extraordinary true story, marvelously told.

An authentic story of a life lived on its own terms, with a hard earned bound to the Burmese elephants and culminating in the harrowing war against Japanese troops.

great story

Thank you for bringing to light an otherwise forgotten story, unique and telling. I enjoyed the interesting facts about elephants; never realized how intelligent they are.

Good elephant story

I was disappointed that the WWII era was brushed over with a simple overview commentary. While it was a good read about working with elephants in the lumber industry there was next to nothing about them in military service. Only the escape from Japanese territory to allied territory is discussed. After that the remainder of their military use was dismissed in a couple of paragraphs.

A Noble Man Meets Some Noble Beasts

This historically rich novel made me hold my breath even as I cheered out loud for the elephant's achievements and victories! Elephant Bill is a shining example of how to live an authentic life, putting your gifts to work and for setting your own moral compass. At times, I found myself wanting to sink my teeth into a good "man sucks, they always fight/kill/destroy, bla-bla-hate-bla" rampage but the good deeds of one soldier with an incredible bond to the elephants who served under him kept my heart in the right place. Very powerful and informative read!