Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > National Army Museum
Commemorative ivory ornament, Elephant Company, Royal Indian Engineers, 1945 (ivory)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Commemorative ivory ornament, Elephant Company, Royal Indian Engineers, 1945 (ivory)
5928251 Commemorative ivory ornament, Elephant Company, Royal Indian Engineers, 1945 (ivory) by Anglo-Indian School, (20th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Commemorative ivory ornament, Elephant Company, Royal Indian Engineers, 1945.
This ornament, made from a cross section of an elephant tusk, commemorates the service of the Elephant Company of The Royal Indian Engineers in Burma during World War Two.
Elephants were used extensively in the Burma campaign to carry and distribute supplies, build bridges, and as transport. They proved better suited to working in the jungle than mules.
This ornament is significant for the names that are signed on the side. One of these, James Howard Williams, is more famously known as Elephant Bill.
Williams had fought in the First World War, but moved to Burma afterwards, where he became a forester. He quickly learned the language and built up his knowledge of the country, people and the forestry trade, including the use of elephants in transport and logistics in the jungle.
In 1942 Williams rejoined the Army, and after conducting timber surveys in Bengal and Assam he was posted to the staff of the 14th Army as Elephant Advisor to the Elephant Company of the Royal Indian Engineers.
Williams advocated for the use of elephants in the construction of infrastructure, as well as a form of transport, in the harsh jungle conditions. He earned the nickname Elephant Bill, which was also the title of his 1950 memoir. In the introduction, Field Marshal Sir William Slim wrote about the use of elephants, They built hundreds of bridges for us, they helped to build and launch more ships for us than Helen ever did for Greece. Without them our retreat from Burma would have been even more arduous and our advance to its liberation slower and more difficult.
After the war, Williams left Burma and retired to Cornwall. He died in 1958, aged 60.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 25138864
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Badge Insignia Commemoration Elephant Logistics
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> I
> Indian School Indian School
> Arts
> Artists
> J
> William James
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William Williams
> Asia
> Myanmar
> Related Images
> Europe
> Greece
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Bridge
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> London Transport Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Army Museum
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Anglo-Indian School
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Jivan Ram
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a commemorative ivory ornament from 1945, created by the Anglo-Indian School. The ornament is a cross section of an elephant tusk and serves as a tribute to the Elephant Company of the Royal Indian Engineers during World War Two. During the Burma campaign, elephants played a vital role in carrying supplies, constructing bridges, and providing transportation in the challenging jungle terrain. They proved to be more effective than mules in these conditions. What makes this ornament particularly significant are the names that are signed on its side. One of them belongs to James Howard Williams, famously known as Elephant Bill. After serving in World War I, Williams moved to Burma where he became well-versed in forestry and learned about using elephants for transport and logistics. In 1942, Williams rejoined the Army and became an advisor to the Elephant Company of the Royal Indian Engineers. He advocated for utilizing elephants not only for infrastructure construction but also as a means of transportation in harsh jungle environments. Williams earned his nickname "Elephant Bill" due to his invaluable contributions during wartime efforts. His memoir titled "Elephant Bill" published in 1950 with an introduction by Field Marshal Sir William Slim, highlighted how crucial elephants were during military operations: they built numerous bridges and assisted with shipbuilding. After retiring from service, Williams settled down in Cornwall until his passing at age 60 in 1958. This remarkable ivory ornament stands as both a testament to Williams' legacy and a symbol of gratitude towards all those who served alongside him in Burma's challenging landscape.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
