Following the absorption of Holland into the French Empire, Napoleon intended to use the island of Java as a base of operations from where he could attack British interests in India and the Far East. What followed was an incredible campaign by the British to destroy French power in the region and a series of actions that bore no resemblance to the type of warfare that was taking place in Europe. It was a combination of jungle warfare, anti-insurgency operations and river war against pirates of 'Boy's Own' adventures and actions that would make Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe envious.