Wojtek the Bear Format: Paperback. This item is unavailable.Wojtek the Bear Format: Paperback

Discover Wojtek, the bear who beat the Nazis.

This is the inspiring and charming true story of one of the Second World War's most unusual combatants - a 500-pound cigarettesmoking, beer-drinking brown bear. Originally adopted as a mascot by the Polish Army in Iran, Wojtek soon took on a more practical role, carrying heavy mortar rounds for the troops and going on to play his part as a fully enlisted 'soldier' with his own rank and number during the Italian campaign.

After the war, Wojtek, along with some of his Polish compatriots from II Corps, came to Berwickshire, where he became a significant member of the local community before subsequently moving to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek's retirement was far from quiet: a potent symbol of freedom and solidarity for Poles around the world, he attracted a huge amount of media interest that shows no sign of abating almost 60 years after his death.

Featured on The Rest is History podcast. 

Aileen Orr was born in Dumfries and raised in Lockerbie before going on to study at the London School of Economics. After a few years in banking, she married and became a Regional Director of the SCA. She stood for both the Westminster and Scottish parliaments and currently enjoys working with parliamentarians on a variety of issues and all things Polish. Neal Ascherson was born in Edinburgh and studied at Cambridge University. A journalist for many years, he has also written numerous books and is well known as an authority on Polish and East European affairs.