The bear who was a private in the Polish army

Wojtek the bear is a remarkable story from World War Two that has captured the hearts of many. Wojtek was a Syrian brown bear who was adopted by the Polish Army in 1943 after his mother was tragically killed by hunters. He traveled with the 2nd Polish Corps from the Middle East to Italy, where they were deployed during the war. Wojtek quickly became a beloved member of the unit, known for his playful nature and his unusual habits. He was famous for his love of beer, cigarettes, and even boxing, but the truth is that he had a special fondness for dates, which the soldiers would give him as treats. Sue Butler, whose father served alongside Wojtek, shared her memories of the bear. She recalled, 'Dad said Wojtek was a symbol that united the soldiers. He was much more than a bear; he thought he was one of them. ' This sentiment highlights the deep bond that formed between Wojtek and the soldiers during such a challenging time. Wojtek was not just a pet; he was an integral part of the Polish Army. To ensure he could accompany the soldiers to Europe, they officially enlisted him, giving him a name, rank, and number. This allowed Wojtek to participate in the Italian campaign, where he was seen carrying artillery shells during the Battle of Monte Cassino. The soldiers were amazed to see a bear so large and strong helping them in such a critical moment. Sue's father often spoke about how Wojtek lifted their spirits during the war. 'I'm sure he kept us going,' he would say, reflecting on the bear's ability to bring joy and laughter to the troops. Wojtek was known to be quite mischievous, often getting into trouble but always endearing himself to the soldiers. After the war, Wojtek lived in Scotland before being taken to Edinburgh Zoo, where he passed away in 1963. Sue's father, Cpl Andrzej Gasior, had a fascinating life after the war as well. He worked in various jobs, including a coal mine and even a circus, before settling in Birmingham. Sue shared that her father had visited Wojtek at the zoo before moving south, and despite the stoic nature of Polish men of his generation, he cried when he saw his old friend. A statue of Wojtek now stands in Edinburgh, honoring the bear and the soldiers who fought alongside him. The story of Wojtek has inspired a new play at the Albany Theatre in Coventry, written by Alan Pollock. The play is based on his children's book, 'The Bear Who Went to War,' and it runs from October 30 to November 2. Alan discovered Wojtek's story while researching at Coventry's Polish Club, where a 90-year-old woman shared the tale with him. He was so captivated that he knew he had to tell it. Many Polish soldiers, like Sue's father, ended up settling in the UK after the war, unable to return home due to the Soviet occupation. Sue Butler recently learned about the play through her daughter-in-law, and she expressed her excitement about the production. 'It's a small world, and sometimes things just all align, don't they? ' she said. Her father lived to be 92 years old and passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and friendship. Sue proudly stated, 'He's my hero, my dad is. He was an amazing man, and I'm just so proud to be his daughter. ' The Bear Who Went to War by Alan Pollock is published by Old Barn Books, and the play runs at the Albany Theatre in Coventry until November 2.