In 1942, tens of thousands of Sybiraks were given the opportunity to leave the Soviet Union and reach the Middle East with the Polish army under the command of General Władysław Anders, formed a few months earlier. While traveling through Palestine, Polish soldiers and civilians came across an Iranian boy with a young bear. Lieutenant Anatol Tarnowiecki from the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, at the insistence of Irena Bokiewicz (niece of General Bolesław Wieniawa-Długoszowski), bought the bear in exchange for canned goods, crackers, a bar of chocolate, a few coins and a Swiss knife. After several months in a camp for civilians, the bear was handed over to the army and incorporated into the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. After some time even obtaining the rank of corporal. Wojtek became the soldiers’ favorite, participating in wrestling matches, where he usually won. At night he used to sneak into tents to sleep with people.

However, Wojtek was not only the Company’s mascot, but also a trustworthy brother in arms. During the Battle of Monte Cassino, as well as during the fighting on the entire Italian front, he helped carry ammunition to artillery firing positions. His importance  was reflected in the unit’s recognition badge, depicting a bear carrying a missile. After the war, Wojtek went to the Edinburgh Zoo, where he was often visited by his former army comrades, who often entered his enclosure. The bear remained there until his death in 1963. Today, Wojtek is a symbol of the so-called Anders’ Army, commemorated by numerous monuments in Poland and abroad.

Prepared by Piotr Bosko