--- product_id: 84143650 title: "Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II" price: "13885CFA" currency: XOF in_stock: true reviews_count: 12 url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/84143650-elephant-company-the-inspiring-story-of-an-unlikely-hero-animals store_origin: SN region: Senegal --- # Untamed jungle adventure Epic animal-human bond WWII covert ops heroics Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II **Price:** 13885CFA **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🐘⚔️ When elephants lead the charge, history remembers the brave. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II - **How much does it cost?** 13885CFA with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/84143650-elephant-company-the-inspiring-story-of-an-unlikely-hero-animals) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Unforgettable Heroism:** Follow Elephant Bill’s daring WWII missions behind enemy lines with his loyal elephant brigade. - • **Untold Historical Saga:** Discover a hidden chapter of WWII history blending wildlife conservation with military valor. - • **Immersive Jungle Setting:** Traverse the perilous Burmese jungles and mountain trails in a gripping true story of survival and sacrifice. - • **Deep Emotional Connection:** Experience the rare, heartfelt bond between man and majestic elephants that redefined courage and trust. - • **Critically Acclaimed Bestseller:** Join thousands of readers inspired by this 4.6-star masterpiece ranked top in Military History and Asian History. ## Overview Elephant Company chronicles James Howard 'Billy' Williams’s extraordinary journey from teak forest man to WWII hero, highlighting his unique partnership with elephants who aided covert missions and refugee rescues in Burma’s jungles. This compelling biography blends war epic, wildlife adventure, and human resilience, earning top ranks in Military and Asian History categories and glowing reviews from thousands of readers. ## Description The remarkable story of James Howard "Billy” Williams, whose uncanny rapport with the world's largest land animals transformed him from a carefree young man into the charismatic war hero known as Elephant Bill 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 Williams's 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 Bill's exploits would earn him top military honors and the praise of famed Field Marshal Sir William Slim. Part biography, part war epic and part wildlife adventure, Elephant Company is an inspirational narrative that illuminates a little-known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism. Review: Delightful read; masterpiece. - Vicki Croke's "Elephant Company" is a fabulous book that brings to life, J.H. William's deep and passionate relationship with the teak logging elephants of Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, and his exceptional contribution to the war efforts. During lashing monsoons, jungles of Burma become inaccessible, and the swollen rivers turn treacherous. The author has painstakingly researched and chronicled the formidable living and working conditions of both humans and elephants alike in the inhospitable Chindwin River belt. Elephant Bill's selfless service and sacrifice earned him so much respect, that during the Japanese occupation, he was able to lead herds of elephants, and weak and infirm refugees, hundreds of miles to safety in India, through uncharted and hazardous hill tracts. Author Croke took me back to my logging stint half a century ago chronicled in my book "An Elephant Kissed My Window". Reviewed in India by M. Ravindran. Review: good - very good book, worth reading ## Features - Elephant Company The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #227,990 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #825 in Military History (Books) #2,987 in Asian History (Books) #4,496 in Crafts, Hobbies & Home | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 5,732 Reviews | ## Images ![Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/815a39ZvDwL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delightful read; masterpiece. *by R***N on 7 December 2021* Vicki Croke's "Elephant Company" is a fabulous book that brings to life, J.H. William's deep and passionate relationship with the teak logging elephants of Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, and his exceptional contribution to the war efforts. During lashing monsoons, jungles of Burma become inaccessible, and the swollen rivers turn treacherous. The author has painstakingly researched and chronicled the formidable living and working conditions of both humans and elephants alike in the inhospitable Chindwin River belt. Elephant Bill's selfless service and sacrifice earned him so much respect, that during the Japanese occupation, he was able to lead herds of elephants, and weak and infirm refugees, hundreds of miles to safety in India, through uncharted and hazardous hill tracts. Author Croke took me back to my logging stint half a century ago chronicled in my book "An Elephant Kissed My Window". Reviewed in India by M. Ravindran. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ good *by N***H on 29 November 2019* very good book, worth reading ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Stars *by S***. on 14 July 2015* Very entertaining and informative! ## Frequently Bought Together - Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II - West with Giraffes: A Novel - The Women: A Novel --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sn/products/84143650-elephant-company-the-inspiring-story-of-an-unlikely-hero-animals](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/84143650-elephant-company-the-inspiring-story-of-an-unlikely-hero-animals) --- *Product available on Desertcart Senegal* *Store origin: SN* *Last updated: 2026-09-12*