Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Remarkable Journey

In the midst of World War II, Polish soldiers found themselves at a railway station in Iran, en route back to Europe. With Poland suffering under the weight of the Holocaust, the world outside was fraught with violence and despair.

During their stop, the soldiers encountered a young boy holding a bear cub. The little creature had been abandoned, likely after its mother was killed—bears typically do not leave their young alone. A lieutenant, persuaded by a refugee girl traveling with them, decided to adopt the cub, fearing for its safety. Moments later, the bear cub was on a train with the Polish soldiers, embarking on a truly unique chapter in military history.

Chapter 2: Wojtek's Rise Through the Ranks

Lieutenant Wojciech Narebski, who cared for the bear, described him as childlike and friendly, often drinking milk from a bottle. Narebski named the bear Wojtek, a diminutive form of his own name. As Wojtek grew, he assisted in carrying supplies, donning a vest specially made for him. Remarkably, he weighed over 400 pounds by the time he was fully grown.

Although the soldiers never deployed him into combat—certainly a futile endeavor given the brutal nature of warfare—Wojtek served as a source of comfort.

Chapter 3: A Bear Among Soldiers

Months later, a British soldier recounted the surreal experience of seeing a bear hauling artillery shells up a hill with a Polish artillery unit. The sight was both bizarre and uplifting, providing a much-needed distraction for soldiers who had been away from home for years.

At a time when communication with loved ones was limited, Wojtek became a cherished companion. He interacted with the men as if he were one of them, sharing meals and engaging with strangers. Interestingly, he became aggressive towards other bears and was territorial when dogs received attention, yet he never harmed anyone.

Chapter 4: A True Character

Wojtek developed some less-than-desirable habits while mingling with the soldiers. He was known to smoke and drink, but his smoking was peculiar—he would take a puff from a cigarette only to chew it up and seek another. He also downed large bottles of beer, looking bewildered when they were empty.

Despite his boisterousness, Wojtek never showed signs of intoxication; bears have powerful livers capable of processing large amounts of food and drink.

Chapter 5: Comedic Antics and Recognition

The antics of Wojtek and the soldiers were legendary. For instance, they often played pranks on new recruits by having the bear jump on them, leading to terrified screams until they realized Wojtek was merely playing.

Wojtek was not only beloved but also officially recognized as a soldier, complete with an ID number. This was necessary due to British transport regulations that prohibited pets unless they belonged to a military unit.

Chapter 6: A Hero's Legacy

Miraculously, Wojtek survived the war unscathed. He eventually found a home at the Edinburgh Zoo, where he lived comfortably and frequently welcomed visits from his former comrades. Today, he is celebrated as a war hero in Poland, and his legacy endures through the emblem of the Polish Army’s 22nd Artillery Supply Company.