Wojtek the Bear: Polish War Hero

by Aileen Orr, Neal Ascherson (Epilogue by)

Overview

The “hilarious and moving” true story of one of the Second World War's most unusual combatants—a 500-pound cigarette-smoking, beer-drinking brown bear (Scotsman).

Purchased as an orphaned cub by a Polish solider in Iran in 1942, and eventually adopted as a mascot by the Polish Army, Wojtek the Bear took on a more practical role as he grew, carrying heavy mortar rounds for the troops and going on to play his part as a fully enlisted “soldier” with his own rank and number during the Italian campaign. His service at Monte Cassino even earned him a promotion from private to corporal.

After the war, Wojtek, along with some of his Polish compatriots from II Corps, came to Berwickshire, Scotland, where he became a significant member of the local community before subsequently moving to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek's retirement was far from quiet: a potent symbol of freedom and solidarity for Poles around the world—he attracted a huge amount of media interest, and to this day he is honored with multiple monuments and in the emblem of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. This is his remarkable story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857900050
Publisher:	Birlinn, Limited
Publication date:	02/12/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	4 MB
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Aileen Orr was born in Dumfries and raised in Lockerbie before going on to study at the London School of Economics. After a few years in banking, she married and became a Regional Director of the SCA. She stood for both the Westminster and Scottish parliaments and currently enjoys working with parliamentarians on a variety of issues and all things Polish. Neal Ascherson was born in Edinburgh and studied at Cambridge University. A journalist for many years, he has also written numerous books and is well known as an authority on Polish and East European affairs.

Table of Contents

Map vii

1 The Bear at the Bottom of My Garden 1

2 Love at First Sight 14

3 Pate Takes a Hand in the Life of a Bear Cub 23

4 Runaway Wojtek Heads for Home 32

5 Monte Cassino: A Legend is Born 42

6 Rationing… and a Bear Who Needs 300 Apples a Day 57

7 Messing About in the River 82

8 Wojtek's Passion for Country Dancing 92

9 The Saddest Day 105

10 Bears Galore Send a Message of Hope 117

11 Journey into the Future 134

Epilogue 149

Index 199

Editorial Reviews

It is both moving and amusing

Lord David Steel

hilarious and moving

Scotsman