013 - Harry Carried Off

The First Burmese War stands as one of Englands most deadly conflicts, second only to the disastrous retreat from Afghanistan. This expedition was launched without fully understanding the immense challenges ahead, including the harsh climate and logistical failures. The arrogance and stubbornness of the court of Ava were grossly underestimated, leading to a belief that controlling the ports would force the enemy into submission. However, the Burman strategy of seizing every vessel on the river, ravaging the countryside, and driving away its people left our forces trapped in Rangoon during the first monsoon season, resulting in the loss of half our officers and soldiers. The subsequent campaign proved equally devastating; despite reinforcements, we suffered a staggering fifty percent casualty rate, leaving fewer than two thousand combatants by the time we approached Ava. Only after the last Burmese army was decimated did the court of Ava concede to our fairly lenient terms.