Random House Trade</br></br>Product Description</br></br><b><i>NEW YORK TIMES </i>BESTSELLER " A <i>NEW YORK TIMES</i> NOTABLE BOOK<br><br>The remarkable story of James Howard Billy Williams whose uncanny rapport with the worlds largest land animals transformed him from a carefree young man into the charismatic war hero known as Elephant Bill</b><br> ?<br> 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 <i>Elephant Company </i>Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williamss growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage?? trust?? and gratitude.<br> ?<br> But <i>Elephant Company</i> 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 elep