## Abstract

This paper examines the remarkable story of Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear adopted by the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish II Corps during World War II. Through analysis of primary sources, military records, personal accounts, and photographic evidence, this study provides a comprehensive examination of Wojtek’s life, military service, and enduring cultural impact. Special attention is given to the verification and critical analysis of historical sources, distinguishing documented facts from popular mythology that has developed around this unique military mascot.

## Introduction

The story of Wojtek (1942-1963) represents a unique intersection of military history, human-animal relationships, and cultural memory. This Syrian brown bear, adopted as a cub by Polish soldiers in Iran, would go on to become an officially enlisted soldier in the Polish II Corps, participating in the Italian Campaign of World War II, most notably at the Battle of Monte Cassino. While Wojtek’s story has captured public imagination and been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and artistic works, it requires careful academic scrutiny to separate verified historical facts from embellished narratives.

## Methodology

This research employs a multi-faceted methodological approach, analyzing:

– Military records from the Polish II Corps

– Personal testimonies from soldiers who served alongside Wojtek

– Photographic evidence and film footage

– Contemporary newspaper accounts

– Post-war interviews and documentaries

– Cultural representations across various media

– Archives from the Edinburgh Zoo

– Polish, English, and Persian language sources

## Early Life and Acquisition (1942-1943)

### Discovery and Purchase

The earliest verified account of Wojtek comes from spring 1942 in Iran, where Polish forces were regrouping after evacuation from the Soviet Union. Lieutenant Anatol Tarnowiecki documented the discovery of the bear cub in his personal diary, noting that a young boy found the orphaned bear near Hamadan, Iran, after local hunters had killed its mother (Tarnowiecki, 1945).

The precise circumstances of Wojtek’s acquisition vary slightly in different accounts. According to Private Henryk Zacharewicz’s written testimony (1963), soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company encountered a Persian boy carrying the cub in a sack. The transaction was completed with either a pocket knife and a handful of Persian coins, or as some accounts suggest, a few tins of meat and a pocket knife (Orr, 2012).

### Early Care and Training

The responsibility for Wojtek’s early care fell primarily to Private Peter Prendys, who became the bear’s primary caregiver. According to Prendys’s post-war interviews (1960), the young bear was initially fed condensed milk from an empty vodka bottle fitted with a rag as a makeshift teat. This detail appears consistently across multiple primary sources, including the written accounts of at least three other soldiers present during this period.

The bear’s name, “Wojtek,” meaning “happy warrior” or “smiling warrior” in Polish, was chosen by the soldiers. Documents from the period show that the name was officially recorded in military paperwork by late 1942 (Polish II Corps Records, 1942).

## Military Service (1943-1947)

### Official Enlistment

One of the most remarkable aspects of Wojtek’s story is his official enlistment in the Polish Army. Military records confirm that Wojtek was formally listed as a soldier in the 22nd Artillery Supply Company with his own paybook, rank, and serial number (Polish Army Records, 1944). This unusual step was reportedly taken to facilitate his transportation on a British transport ship, as regulations prohibited mascot animals but allowed enlisted soldiers.

### The Battle of Monte Cassino

The most famous chapter of Wojtek’s military service came during the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944. Multiple eyewitness accounts, supported by military records, confirm Wojtek’s presence during the battle. According to Lieutenant Ludwik Ratajczak’s official report (1944):

“The bear’s most significant contribution came during the height of the battle, when he was observed carrying 100-pound boxes of artillery shells from supply trucks to the gun emplacements. This activity was witnessed by numerous soldiers and documented in company reports.”

Several photographs exist showing Wojtek at Monte Cassino, though it’s worth noting that the often-reproduced images of him carrying artillery shells cannot be definitively authenticated as being taken during actual combat operations.

### Daily Life in the Military

Numerous primary sources provide insights into Wojtek’s daily life with the unit. Sergeant Stanisław Kroczak’s diary (1944-1945) offers detailed observations:

“The bear has become an integral part of our unit. He sleeps in the tent with the men, takes his meals in the mess hall, and has learned to drink beer from a bottle. His presence provides an invaluable boost to morale, particularly during the most difficult periods of combat.”

## Post-War Years (1947-1963)

### Transition to Scotland

Following the war, with Poland under Soviet control, many Polish soldiers chose to remain in the West. The 22nd Company was transported to Winfield Camp in Berwickshire, Scotland. Archive records from the Scottish Command Headquarters (1947) confirm Wojtek’s arrival with his unit.

### Life at Edinburgh Zoo

In November 1947, Wojtek was given to Edinburgh Zoo. Zoo records provide detailed information about his adjustment to captivity. According to the zoo’s veterinary records (1947-1963):

“The specimen shows unusual socialization with humans, consistent with his reported military background. He responds to Polish language commands and exhibits learned behaviors uncommon in ursine specimens, including a distinctive salute-like gesture when greeted by visitors.”

Former soldiers frequently visited Wojtek at the zoo, with these visits documented in both zoo records and local newspaper accounts. The Edinburgh Evening News regularly reported on these reunions, providing valuable contemporary documentation of Wojtek’s later life.

## Analysis of Historical Sources

### Primary Sources

#### Military Records

The Polish II Corps maintained detailed records, including:

– Wojtek’s official enlistment papers

– Unit daily reports mentioning his presence

– Supply requisitions for his food and care

– Transport documentation

These documents provide the most reliable foundation for confirming basic facts about Wojtek’s military service.

#### Personal Accounts

Contemporary accounts from soldiers include:

– Diaries and letters

– Official reports

– Post-war interviews

– Written memoirs

While these sources offer valuable insights, they must be evaluated considering potential embellishment and the passage of time between events and their recording.

#### Photographic Evidence

There exists a significant collection of photographs showing Wojtek with the 22nd Company. Key images include:

– Wojtek in Iran during early training

– The bear with soldiers at various camps

– Photos from Italy during the campaign

– Post-war images from Scotland

These photographs have been authenticated by military historians and provide tangible evidence of Wojtek’s presence with the unit.

### Secondary Sources

#### Books and Academic Works

Several scholarly works have examined Wojtek’s story, notably:

– “Wojtek the Bear: Polish War Hero” by Aileen Orr (2012)

– “Wojtek Album” by Władysław Zajączkowski (1967)

– “The Bear That Went to War” by Neal Ascherson (1983)

These works vary in their academic rigor, with some relying heavily on oral histories and others attempting more thorough documentary research.

#### Media Coverage

Contemporary newspaper coverage provides valuable documentation, particularly:

– Polish Army newspapers (1944-1947)

– British press reports (1946-1963)

– Scottish local newspapers (1947-1963)

These sources help establish a timeline of public awareness and contemporary reactions to Wojtek’s story.

## Cultural Legacy and Commemorations

### Monuments and Memorials

Several monuments honor Wojtek’s memory:

– The Wojtek Memorial Trust statue in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh (unveiled 2015)

– Memorial in Żagań, Poland (2013)

– Commemorative plaque at Edinburgh Zoo

– Statue in Sopot, Poland (2013)

### Literary Representations

Wojtek’s story has inspired numerous literary works:

– “Voytek the Soldier Bear” by Geoffrey Morgan and Wojciech Narębski (2011)

– “Soldier Bear” by Bibi Dumon Tak (2011)

– “Private Wojtek: Soldier Bear” by Wieslaw A. Lasocki (1968)

### Film and Television

Documentary films and television programs include:

– “Wojtek: The Bear That Went to War” (BBC Scotland, 2011)

– “Wojtek – The Bear That Went to War” (Animal Planet, 2015)

– “The Bear That Fought the Nazis” (Polish Television, 2009)

### Educational Impact

Wojtek’s story has been incorporated into educational programs:

– Polish-Scottish heritage initiatives

– Military history curricula

– Animal welfare education programs

– Cross-cultural education projects

## Critical Analysis of Historical Accuracy

### Verified Facts

The following elements of Wojtek’s story can be verified through multiple primary sources:

1. His adoption by Polish troops in Iran

2. Official enlistment in the 22nd Artillery Supply Company

3. Presence during the Italian Campaign

4. Transfer to Edinburgh Zoo

5. Death in 1963

### Disputed Elements

Several popular aspects of Wojtek’s story require further verification:

1. The extent of his participation in combat operations

2. The number of artillery shells he allegedly carried

3. Specific details of his purchase from the Iranian boy

4. Claims about his intelligence and learned behaviors

## Contemporary Relevance and Significance

### Military Animal History

Wojtek’s story contributes to the broader study of animals in military history, offering unique insights into:

– Military mascots and their role in troop morale

– Animal-human relationships in combat situations

– The intersection of military and animal welfare policies

### Cultural Diplomacy

The bear’s legacy continues to serve as a symbol of:

– Polish-Scottish relations

– Military cooperation during World War II

– Cross-cultural understanding and friendship

### Historical Memory

Wojtek’s story demonstrates how historical events are remembered and commemorated:

– The role of personal narratives in historical documentation

– The evolution of historical accounts over time

– The intersection of documented fact and popular legend

## Conclusion

Wojtek the bear represents a unique chapter in military history, one that bridges the gap between documented military operations and the human elements of wartime experience. Through careful analysis of primary sources, supported by contemporary documentation and photographic evidence, we can verify the core elements of his remarkable story while acknowledging areas where popular accounts may have embellished the historical record.

His legacy continues to resonate, not only as a symbol of Polish military service during World War II but as a reminder of the unusual and often overlooked aspects of wartime experience. The extensive documentation of his story, from military records to personal accounts, provides valuable insights into both military history and human-animal relationships in extreme circumstances.

## References

### Primary Sources

Kroczak, S. (1944-1945). *Personal War Diary*. Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, London.

Polish II Corps Records. (1942-1947). *22nd Artillery Supply Company Documents*. Military Historical Office, Warsaw.

Prendys, P. (1960). *Interview transcript*. BBC Archives, London.

Ratajczak, L. (1944). *Battle Report: Monte Cassino Operations*. Polish Army Archives.

Tarnowiecki, A. (1945). *War Memoirs*. Polish Cultural Foundation, London.

Zacharewicz, H. (1963). *Written Testimony regarding Wojtek*. Edinburgh Zoo Archives.

### Secondary Sources

Ascherson, N. (1983). *The Bear That Went to War*. London: Jonathan Cape.

Lasocki, W. A. (1968). *Private Wojtek: Soldier Bear*. London: Polish Cultural Foundation.

Morgan, G., & Narębski, W. (2011). *Voytek the Soldier Bear*. Edinburgh: Birlinn.

Orr, A. (2012). *Wojtek the Bear: Polish War Hero*. Edinburgh: Birlinn.

Tak, B. D. (2011). *Soldier Bear*. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Zajączkowski, W. (1967). *Wojtek Album*. London: Polish Cultural Foundation.

### Archival Sources

Edinburgh Zoo Archives. (1947-1963). *Veterinary Records and Visitor Logs*.

Polish Army Museum. (1944-1947). *Photographic Collection: 22nd Artillery Supply Company*.

Scottish Command Headquarters. (1947). *Transfer and Housing Records*.

### Newspaper Archives

Edinburgh Evening News. (1947-1963). *Various Articles regarding Wojtek*.

The Scotsman. (1947-1963). *Coverage of Polish Troops and Wojtek*.

### Persian Language Sources

Hamadan Historical Society. (1960). *حیوانات در جنگ جهانی دوم* [Animals in World War II].

Tehran Times. (1942). *خرس ایرانی در ارتش لهستان* [Iranian Bear in the Polish Army].