Neal Ascherson

Aileen Orr

This is the inspiring and charming true story of one of the Second World War's most unusual combatants - a 500-pound cigarettesmoking, beer-drinking brown bear. Originally adopted as a mascot by the Polish Army in Iran, Wojtek soon took on a more practical role, carrying heavy mortar rounds for the troops and going on to play his part as a fully enlisted 'soldier' with his own rank and number during the Italian campaign. After the war, Wojtek, along with some of his Polish compatriots from II Corps, came to Berwickshire, where he became a significant member of the local community before subsequently moving to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek's retirement was far from quiet: a potent symbol of freedom and solidarity for Poles around the world, he attracted a huge amount of media interest that shows no sign of abating almost 50 years after his death.

Polish War Hero

Wojtek the Bear

The “hilarious and moving” true story of one of the Second World War's most unusual combatants—a 500-pound cigarette-smoking, beer-drinking brown bear (Scotsman). Purchased as an orphaned cub by a Polish solider in Iran in 1942, and eventually adopted as a mascot by the Polish Army, Wojtek the Bear took on a more practical role as he grew, carrying heavy mortar rounds for the troops and going on to play his part as a fully enlisted “soldier” with his own rank and number during the Italian campaign. His service at Monte Cassino even earned him a promotion from private to corporal. After the war, Wojtek, along with some of his Polish compatriots from II Corps, came to Berwickshire, Scotland, where he became a significant member of the local community before subsequently moving to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek's retirement was far from quiet: a potent symbol of freedom and solidarity for Poles around the world—he attracted a huge amount of media interest, and to this day he is honored with multiple monuments and in the emblem of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. This is his remarkable story.

Aileen Orr

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