Wojtek was stung on the nose by a scorpion. The Company thought that he would not make it through but Henryk Zacharewicz, his friend, nursed him back to health. thechiveHe would often be found in the kitchen area and he ate everything he was fed and even developed a taste for beer and wine together with cigarettes which he would only accept when lit. thechiveWojtek with a soldier. The Soldier BearWojtek with his platoon. STV Edinburgh1) As the Polish Army prepared to enter the war zone in Italy during 1943, the problem confronting the Polish soldiers was the question of Wojtek’s status. Animals were not permitted to accompany the army during the fighting. By giving the bear his own paybook, rank and serial number there would be no question that he was on the list of soldiers. thechiveWojtek, thirsty in the desert. Pinterest1) Wojtek found himself in the Battle at Monte Cassino WWII at the artillery firing line where he was seen moving crates of ammunition close to a truck where he was chained. Henryk had been assigned to take care of the bear that day but when he was ordered forward as an artillery spotter, he had to leave Wojtek alone. Always inquisitive and willing to copy what the soldiers were doing, he began picking up the crates and moving towards the cannons. thechiveWith Wojtek’s help, the Polish were able to capture the Nazi stronghold at Monte Cassino. thechiveThe official badge of the 22nd Transport Company became a likeness of Wojtek holding a shell. thechiveAfter the war, Wojtek went to a zoo in Edinburgh where he lived out his days until 1963. Pinterest
