The year 1854 will always be perceived typical of the reign of private enterprise. The power of the middle class, its prophets, priests and kings was growing steadily. Steam was everywhere beginning to replace sail. This opportunity was grasped in both hands by William Macknnon, a young Scot. He along with his partner profited enough to transfer their headquarters to Calcutta and soon formed in 1854 the Burmah Steam Navigation Company. Their fleet numbered 17 and regular voyages were made from Calcutta to Singapore, Chittagong, Andamans, Madras, Karachi, Bombay, and later Persian Gulf, Britain, East Africa, Colombo, Brisbane and spread to the Far East. Many of its ships even carried English troops during the South African War and in the China Expedition.