What are some insane facts about WWII? by Jon Trew
Answer by Jon Trew:
During the battle for Monte Cassino in Italy, Polish soldiers used a bear named Wojtek to help them carry ammunition! The bear carried boxes of ammunition some weighing in at over 100 pounds, from supply trucks to artillery positions on the front lines and was even promoted to the rank of Corporal.
The bear had been purchased by one of their officers when they were stationed in Iran. He was loved by the Polish soldiers and they used to wrestle and play with him and even taught him to salute. When it came time for the regiment to be transferred to Italy so Wojtek could travel with them, the bear was officially drafted into the Polish Army as a Private and was listed among the soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company.
After the war was over Wojtek was given to Edinburgh Zoo where he lived until his death in 1963. The Bear carrying a shell became the official insignia of the Polish 22nd Artillery Regiment.
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