On the Irrawaddy, A Story of the First Burmese War cover art

On the Irrawaddy, A Story of the First Burmese War

On the Irrawaddy, A Story of the First Burmese War

By: G. A. Henty
Listen for free

About this listen

 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.Copyright Nature and Animals Political Science Politics & Government Science Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • 019 - In Business Again

    019 - In Business Again
    Feb 5 2026
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • 018 - The Pride of Burma Humbled

    018 - The Pride of Burma Humbled
    Feb 5 2026
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • 017 - Rejoining

    017 - Rejoining
    Feb 5 2026
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.