World World 2 Facts: Did You Know These 29 Interesting Details?

Wojtek The Polish Bear Soldier Helped Fight with Polish Army

In 1942, Polish prisoners were released from Soviet Siberian labor camps and were headed back to Persia where a new Polish Army was being formed. On their journey back, they acquired a bear cub from a trade with a shepherd in the mountains of Persia. The soldiers named him Wojtek and hand raised the bear, even bottle feeding him in his younger days. He spent most of his time with the 4th Platoon and had two men who became his main caretakers and best friends. It is said that he ate everything the men ate and even came to enjoy beer and cigarettes with his buddies.

As they approached Italy, they realized that Wojtek would not be allowed to join them as animals were not permitted in fighting areas. In order to get him into Italy with them, they assigned him his own serial number, rank and pay book and were able to get him in with little issue. During the battles in Italy, he actively participated in fighting, helping the men with tasks of all kinds. After the battle was over, the official badge of his company bore his likeness. Wojtek would go on to retire at the Edinburgh Zoo where he was a beloved figure to the public.