Corporal Wojtek, the soldier bear seen here playing with his brothers-in-arms (1942) [768×552]

Wojtek is a Syrian brown bear adopted by soldiers in the Polish army during World War II.

In 1942 the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the II Corps of the Polish army was sent to the Middle East to face the forces of Nazi Germany. Near the city of Hamadan, Iran, a young shepherd traded a barely alive Syrian brown bear cub in a burlap sack to members of the company in exchange for a Swiss Army knife, canned beef, and chocolate. The soldiers adopted the cub, whose mother likely had been killed by hunters. They fed him condensed milk from an empty vodka bottle, honey, fruit, and marmalade. The bear, whom they named Wojtek (short for Wojciech; Polish: “joyful warrior”), came to trust his human companions.

A soldier named Peter Prendys became Wojtek’s caretaker. Prendys taught the bear to salute, wave, and march, and Wojtek appeared to happily perform these duties. When not training, Wojtek amused himself with the soldiers in the camp by engaging in their activities, including wrestling and boxing. In addition to double rations, the soldiers gave the bear treats, cigarettes, and beer. Despite his taste for beer, Wojtek did not seem to become intoxicated. As part of grenade practice, the soldiers lobbed oranges, which Wojtek chased.

In 1944, when the 22nd Artillery Supply Company prepared to ship out to join the Allied military campaign in Italy, it ran up against the rigidity of military rules. Pets were banned in the army, and to stay with his unit Wojtek needed to officially enlist. He was given the rank of private and a serial number, and he was permitted to remain with his fellow soldiers. Wojtek’s presence boosted the morale of the troops and brightened their days. Moreover, beyond acting as a morale booster, he allegedly played a combat role during the Battle of Monte Cassino in May 1944.

It is said that Wojtek, imitating his human companions, carried artillery shells and ammo crates between trucks and troops engaged in combat. It was even said that he would drag wounded men off the battlefield as long as they weren’t speaking German. In his honour, the company changed its insignia to a bear carrying an artillery shell, and for his service and bravery Wojtek was eventually promoted to the rank of corporal.

After the war, he retired to a boring but comfortable life in the Edinburgh zoo. He always got excited whenever he heard visitors speaking in Polish. His former comrades would often visit him, tossing cigarettes over the fence for old times sake.

He died in 1963 at the age of 21. To this day, his former unit still wears his likeness on their insignia.