Wojtek the bear was a soldier in the Polish army during World War II, who supported his comrades during the allied invasion of Europe. Here is his story:
In 1942, Wojtek was bought from a young Iranian boy in a train station in Iran, by Polish civilians who were escaping the Soviet Union. He was then taken to a civilian camp nearby, where he was taken care of for 3 months before being donated to the 2nd transport Company, which later became the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. This is when Wojtek was given his name, which means "Happy Warrior" in Polish, for his friendly and playful personality.
Wojtek was given condensed milk, fruit, marmalade, honey and syrup and was rewarded with cigarettes and beer, which became his favourite drink. He was taught to salute when greeted and enjoyed wrestling with the soldier and even slept with them during cold nights. He soon became an unofficial mascot for the troops and his regiment.
By 1944, Wojtek weighed 90 kilograms (14 st; 200 lb). He helped his comrades during the Battle for Rome by carrying crates of shells. This claim has been disputed as being false, though some eyewitness accounts defend its legitimacy. Wojtek received the rank of Private, as well as his own wages, paybook and serial number.
After the end of the war in 1945, Wojtek was transported to Scotland and was retired from the army in 1947. He spent the rest of his days in Edinburgh Zoo. He died in 1963, at the age of
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