Battleground Archives

Wojtek is one of the most heartwarming and extraordinary stories from World War II. His tale is a fascinating blend of camaraderie, survival, and the unexpected bonds formed during wartime.

Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear, was found as a young cub in 1942 by Polish soldiers in Iran. He had been orphaned after his mother was shot by hunters. The soldiers, who were part of the Polish II Corps that had been evacuated from the Soviet Union, bought the bear from a local boy and initially treated him as a pet and mascot.

The name Wojtek is a diminutive of the Polish name Wojciech, which comes from the Old Slavic words woj (warrior) and ciech (joy), meaning he who enjoys war or warrior of joy. It has been popular in Poland, largely due to the patronage of Saint Wojciech (Saint Adalbert), who is a celebrated martyr of Poland, Bohemia, and Prussia.

Military Life

As Wojtek grew, he became a beloved member of the unit. He was officially enlisted in the army as a private to ensure he could receive rations and travel with the military. His service number allowed him to be billeted with the other soldiers and even gave him a paybook.

Wojtek was more than just a mascot; he became a genuine part of the unit. He would wrestle with the soldiers, drink beer, and was even taught to salute. His presence was a significant morale booster for the troops, who were often exhausted and homesick.

Battle of Monte Cassino

The most famous story of Wojtek’s involvement with the military came during the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, one of the war’s fierce conflicts. Wojtek helped by carrying ammunition boxes, never dropping a single one. This endeared him even more to his comrades and cemented his status as a soldier rather than just a mascot. His actions led to the adoption of a bear carrying an artillery shell as the official emblem of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company.

Post War

After the war, Wojtek was taken to Berwickshire in Scotland with the rest of the Polish II Corps. When the unit was demobilized, Wojtek was placed in the Edinburgh Zoo, where he became a popular attraction and was often visited by his former military caretakers.

Wojtek died in December 1963, but his memory lives on. He has been commemorated in books, documentaries, and monuments, including a bronze statue in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens and another in Kraków, Poland.