We already talked in a previous post, animals used as bombs, the wild use of animals in battles, today we have another story of this type but with a look, at least, different. This is the story of Voytek , the bear that was enlisted in the 22nd Transport Company of the Polish Army during World War II.
In 1939 Poland was invaded; the Russians in the East and the Germans in the West. Little could the Polish army do against the two military powers; many Polish soldiers were imprisoned and sent to Soviet gulags. After the 180% turn, from allies to enemies, that took place between the Soviets and the Germans, Stalin decided to free the Polish prisoners, constituting the Second Corps of the Polish Army (1943) to fight alongside the allies.
Voytek Bear Cub
The Second Corps was sent to the Middle East in support of the British 8th Army. As the 22nd Company crossed the mountains of Iran, a boy offered them a small bear cub for food. We don't know if it was because they felt sorry for the child or they were amused by the bear cub, the fact is that they kept it as a pet. They named it Voytek and he became one more... he liked to have a beer, smoke -or eat- a cigarette, carried heavy loads, greeted his superiors, participated in fights that he always won...
Voytek fighting
When the Second Corps was transferred to Europe, to participate in the Italian campaign, the first setback occurred:the British army did not accept pets. So, neither short nor lazy, the 22nd Company enrolled him with the number and rank of artillery assistant.
He also had his heroic moment in combat at the Battle of Monte Cassino (1944). After several unsuccessful attempts by the allies to take this strategic enclave, all available troops were sent, including the 22nd Company. A massive artillery bombardment began and our friend Voytek spent several hours transporting shells, almost 50 Kg, without stopping. They say that that attitude served as a stimulus so that "comrades" could win that battle.
Voytek Badge
By the time World War II ended, Voytek's fame had crossed borders. As Poland remained under Soviet influence, part of the Second Corps, including Voytek, moved to Berwickshire, Scotland, where he received many visits from onlookers and journalists. After demobilization, they took him to the Edinburgh Zoo until his death in 1963. Some veterans who visited him at the zoo say that when he saw them he would stand up and ask for a cigarette...
Voytek at the Zoo
More information:BBC, Badass of the Week, Mail Online