Immortalized by Kiplingâ€s line, ‘Where the old Flotilla layâ€, the Irawaddy Flotilla Company grew from four paddle steamers deployed in the Second Burmese War in 1852 to a commercial fleet of 650 vessels. This book charts the companyâ€s development against the background of British colonial policy and the economic growth of Burma, and describes its tragic end during the Second World War, when its ships were scuppered to prevent them falling into the hands of the Japanese. Bears old cover price.