Soldier Bear

[G.F.C.]

I just found this website:

http://www.wojtekthebear.com/

[JAMES.M]

I think this bear is a little more famous!
http://www.fortgarryhorse.ca/phpweb/...position=44:44

[G.F.C.]

Which bear would you rather have a beer with?

[pylon1357]

Which bear would you rather have a beer with?

For me it would have to Winnie. Guess its just the Canadian thing.

Both sites are interesting for me. Somewhere I have a book called "The real Winnie the pooh" or something to that effect. It has a very well written story of bear and contains many period photos.

This is a book I have not looked at in quite some time.

[GregK]

Well......I'm kind of impartial. I love them both. See my previous posts with regards to my collecting interests and all will be explained.

Cheers,
Greg

[BrentNunns]

Chaps, I have to go with Wojtek (Voytek) as being the most famous bear.
The following extract is from the book "Silent Heroes" by Evelyn Le Chene.

"There was a lull in the fighting. The soldier, accustomed to many strange sights, was fascinated by the seen unfolding before him. He pulled a sketch –pad from his knapsack and began to draw. The result created a legend and flashed the renown of the central character around the world. Depicted was Voytek, a six foot six brown bear, outlined againts the steering wheel of a supply truck, a 25-pound artillery shell cradled in his arms."

Voytek served with the Polish 22<SUP>nd</SUP> Company of the Artillery Supply Command, and was a regular visitor to the forward gun positions at Monte Cassino to hand in heavy boxes of ammunition just like the rest of the supply team.

On one occasion of his carrying a shell cradled in his furry arms, an officer gawped and yelled out "Is that shell live? Voyteks handler Peter Prendys confirmed that it was, but reassured the officer that Voytek won’t drop it.
Voyteks famous picture of him carrying a shell features on numerous Polish regimental insignia, on vehicle, epauletts, banners and music stands etc. (Check out the insignia of the 12<SUP>th</SUP> Polish Regiment)

For those who may be interested in further reading about Voytek, you might want to check out the book "Soldier Bear" by W. A. Lasocki.

Brent