On the Irrawaddy, A Story of the First Burmese War

016 - The Attack

30 min · 5. feb. 2026
Billede af episoden 016 - The Attack

Description

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.

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All episodes

19 episodes

episode 019 - In Business Again artwork

019 - In Business Again

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.

5. feb. 202622 min
episode 018 - The Pride of Burma Humbled artwork

018 - The Pride of Burma Humbled

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.

5. feb. 202630 min
episode 017 - Rejoining artwork

017 - Rejoining

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.

5. feb. 202630 min
episode 016 - The Attack artwork

016 - The Attack

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.

5. feb. 202630 min
episode 015 - In The Temple artwork

015 - In The Temple

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.

5. feb. 202629 min