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

Fascinating Story

Loved it. I learned amazing historical facts about WWII through an intriguing story. I learned to love elephants.

I like a book I can learn from.

Would you listen to Elephant Company again? Why?

I liked that this book taught me something about the era and where it took place. I especially like that I learned things about elephants that I didn't know. I would not listen to this book more than once....I don't do that with any book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I definitely have a deeper interest and respect for elephants. Billy Williams, of course was my favorite character because of his deep respect for animals.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His performance in reading this book was quite exceptional, just a little fast in the detailed parts.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I liked the part where they had to change the terrain in the jungle and then it was questionable whether the elephants would be able to climb it.

Terrific and heart warning story front WWII

Highly recommend this. unlike so many depressing stories from World War II, this book is uplifting and leaves one with a very positive attitude about elephants. Great book and very well read.

Need Tissues

I loved this book. good thing I carry tissues with me. I needed them several times.

A homage to elephants

I enjoyed this book though it was not quite what I had expected. Most of the book chronicles William's training and many years of experience prior to World War II. The most compelling part of the book was the last several chapters which detailed the heroism of man and elephants during the war. Incredible saga, well told and read.

Fascinating True Adventure

I was so fascinated by the account of Billy Williams in Burma that I've now listened to the book twice. I find myself often telling friends about parts of this book and urging them to read it. Each of the three sections of the book is captivating: teak foresting challenges and hardships, learning to understand and appreciate elephants, and fighting the Japanese in WWII Burma. I learned so much and enjoyed each part of Williams story. However, the most eye-opening is a new appreciation for elephants, their sensitivity, individuality, intelligence, and devotion to each other.

A facinating account of "Elephant Bill".

I have never before heard of Elephant Bill before purchasing this audiobook, but it is definately a unique snippet of history.

Bill Williams turns a developing passion and understanding of the Elephants he becomes responsible for while in Burma into a way of life and then a way to preserve life during World War II.

The narration is well done and makes all the difference in this audiobook.

Loved it!!

Well written, well read, very informative. I was not aware of the importance of elephants during the War with Japan so I thoroughly enjoyed learning about them.

What a great story

And we'll told! I really love it when a book is able to entertain AND inform. Learned about Burma and teak and most of all elephants

Great Story

Hang in. It was a slow start and at time overwhelming with background detail. It was all vital as the story unfolded. It drove me to look up Elephant Bill to find out more about this amazing man.