The Greatest Soldier in Poland
This is what it means to bear arms.
Howdy! It’s Joey, back with more Fun Fact Friyay. Grab your passport because we’re about to meet a European war hero.
During World War II, the Polish Army adopted a brown bear named Wojtek, who rose to the rank of corporal.
World War II involved a great deal of travel for many soldiers. In 1942, the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the II Corps of the Polish Army found itself in Hamadan, Iran.
Some of the members encountered a young shepherd who agreed to trade his brown bear cub for a Swiss Army knife, canned beef, and chocolate.
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The Polish Army was immediately smitten by this cute cub, feeding him condensed milk, honey, fruit, and marmalade. They named the bear Wojtek, Polish for “joyful warrior.”
Wojtek soon became a valuable member of the Army’s training. He could salute, wave, march, wrestle, and box, and the unit practiced grenade lobs by tossing oranges Wojtek’s way.
After a long day of training, Wojtek eventually learned to turn on a shower and bathe under the cold stream. He also enjoyed puffing on cigarettes before swallowing them and chugging down some beers.
He even frightened away enemy soldiers and carried artillery shells and ammo crates between trucks and troops. For his service, Wojtek was promoted to the rank of corporal.
After the war ended, everyone wondered what to do with Wojtek. He eventually ended up in Scotland, living with other Polish fighters on a farm. He also spent some time at the Edinburgh Zoo, delighting locals and visitors alike.
Wojtek passed away in 1963, but his memory lives on. The company’s insignia sports a replica of Wojtek, and Edinburgh immortalized him with a bronze statute.
