If you are enjoying my Polish Reaction Videos, why not go check out our vlog channel where we have visted poland! th-cam.com/play/PLw4JaWCFm7FeHG7Ad5PtaZzoYd1Vq5EXW.html
Where is Wojtek the Bear located? The statue of Wojtek the Bear stands in Princes St Gardens, providing a fitting tribute to this extraordinary wartime companion.
Wojtek's story has been told on film and in children's books. There are seven statues of him in Poland and Britain, and he has memorials in the national war museums of Britain and Canada
... on 06.02.2023 passed away a polish veteran Ludwik Jaszczur who was fighting along side of Wojtek. He was visiting the bear statue every year on polish independence day with a flag of Poland. Rest in peace.
Yes because Polish soldiers must left Him. After the war, Polish soldiers fighting under the command of General Anders could not return to Poland due to the communist regime. In 1947, Wojtek stayed at the Edinburgh Zoo where he lived for over 20 years. Life in ZOO was not easy for him considering the fact that Wojtek never lived in confinement, he stayed with soldiers, served with them on guard duty and grew up with them starting from the African front until the end of the war when Polish soldiers ended up in Scotland. He just missed company.
Kot ma instynkt lowcy i zgubnej ciekawosci uznaje tylko wolnosc niezaleznosc A polak wiecznie sluzyc pod zaborem ? ma instykt slepej dziecinnej naiwnosci uwiebia szykany i byc przez cwaniakow oszukiwany ...wiec zadna madra rada i madra szkola nauka wyklad na kanale na Yutube Nic na polaka rozumu korzysci nie zdola ? wiec kazdy przekaz prawdy jest im daremny sluchaja od Madrego ale wysilek aby to pojac jest nie do pokonania ze zrozumieniem przekazu =nie klei im sie madra proza = od madrych ludzi wyklad zostanie im w glowie jako pusta skleroza....
@@radosawzakosny5013 There were plans to move Wojtek to Poland, the Polish authorities wanted Wojtek to live in Poland and have better living conditions because he was a soldier and a war hero, but these plans failed. An interesting fact is that every time Wojtek heard Polish, he stood on two legs, raised one up and saluted
Czy my Polacy nie jesteśmy wspanialym narodem jako jedyni zasiedliśmy na Kremlu i jako jedynym niedźwiedź pociski przynosił JESTEM POLAKIEM to brzmi dumnie❤
He has also one in Szymbark (very small one, u can google it), a small town with fantastic attractions for history fans. It's about 50km from Gdańsk. And there's one in Sopot (right next to Gdańsk).
@@Christof44 The Polish army was the fifth force of the Allied coalition, and Polish soldiers participated in a number of the most important battles that decided the fate of World War II. They were present e.g. near Narvik, Arnhem, Monte Cassino, Falaise. They participated in the liberation of Bologna, Breda, conquered Wilhelmshaven and Anconae. The participation of the 302 "Poznański" Squadron in the Battle of Great Britain was significant: the pilots shot down 27, probably 11 and damaged two German planes, six Polish and one British pilot died in combat. The 303rd Squadron during the Battle of Britain shot down 110 German aircraft - the most among fighter squadrons taking part in the fighting. Less than a year after the painful September defeat, the Polish airmen got the opportunity to revenge in the skies of England. Squadrons 300 and 301 are Polish bomber squadrons in the British Army. Polish units, such as: 1st Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek, 2. Corps of General Władysław Anders, Independent Podhale Rifle Brigade, Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade . Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade. It inflicted heavy losses on German forces on all fronts of WWII. After the Allied landings in Normandy and during the operation at Falaise, the German soldier was more afraid than death of falling into the hands of the "Black Devils", and this is not about American soldiers of African descent. "Black Devils" were called by the Germans a Polish soldier of the 1st Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek. In 1939, then still Col. Stanisław Maczek commanded the 10th Cavalry Brigade, it was the Motor Brigade. The losses inflicted on the attackers and the skills of Stanisław Maczek and his subordinates aroused respect. The Germans were afraid that the Poles would take revenge for what the Wermacht was doing in Poland.
I grew up hearing these stories as my late father was Polish, and a ww2 veteran, also at Monte Cassino. My dad had the pleasure of making Wojtek's acquaintance!! He used to tell us that Wojtek would steal his cigarettes and he loved a beer!! He loved his food. And he did help with the moving of ammo. Dad said he was just one of the lads, but said in fact he was incredibly important for morale.
So your dad met and fought alongside Wojtek? Your dad is a Polish Hero. The Battle of Monte Cassino was utterly brutal and it took the Poles to finish the job. Much respect and rembrance to your Father 🇵🇱🇵🇱
@@angierucinski5694 thank you so much. Yes he encountered Wojtek a few times. My visit with him to Monte Cassino in the 70s when I was about 18, was the first time, when he described the battle, that I really realised just what he had been through. He met my Italian mum in '45 they married in '46. My parents were my heroes!
I've read the book "Wojtek" what an amazing and moving story of polish soldiers and and a bear during WWII! I literally cried my eyes out at the end, so moving!
unfortunately after war Wojtek couldn't go to Poland as many polish soldiers becouse allies were so worried , scared about Stalin that they didn't give back independence to Poland ,they decided to give Poland as a gift to communist , many brave polish soldiers after war were punished from communist , died tortured in prisons in their own country which goverment were created by hated russian communist , western countries betrayed Poland and gave it to hands of one from occupiers from 1939
Actually, during the WWI a similar story has happened in the Polish Murmańsk batallion. The soldiers adopted a female polar bear and she became known as Baśka Murmańska. Together with the unit, she went through the entire combat trail. The word is that she was learnt how to salute. This story is not well known, though.
Actually IT was a second bear serving in Polish Army. In 1919 Polish troops fighting alongside British intervention forces in Russian Civil War found a little polar bear that they named Basia (little Barbara) that was brought to Poland. IT took part in the military parade in Warsaw. IT even shook hands with Marshal Piłsudski.
Podczas wojny z bolszewikami w 1919 r. w polskiej formacji Murmańczyków "służyła" niedźwiedzica Baśka Murmańska. Wojtek nie był więc pierwszym i nie był jedynym niedźwiedziem w wojsku polskim :)
The battle of Monte Casino has a particular value to us (Poles). General Anders forces managed to conquer the hill while other allie nations struggled to accomplish this quest. There is a beautiful song telling about Polish bravery and sacrafice during this event. Its called ,,The red poppies of Monte Casino"and is definitely one of the most beautiful polish war songs and I highly recommend you to listen to it. Thx for your content
Polacy zajęli wzgórze Monte Casino dzielnie walcząc,ale Niemcy wcześniej dostali rozkaz wycofania się którego wykonać nie chcieli. Gdyby oni się nie wycofali pewnie dzielni Polacy by się tam wykrwawili.
For Poles who think, this battle is the same as at Lenino - the goal was to bleed Poles, Anders is a traitor, a Jewish farmhand, he should be judged, not recognized.
@@marysiamikulska1093 To jest fakt. Też wolałem tę pierwszą wersję i gdy to pierwszy raz usłyszałem to pomyślałem,że to żart lub kpiny bo to był Niemiec. póżniej usłyszałem to samo od polskiego historyka.
My grandpa was in Anders Army, soviets killed my grand-grandpa, and my grandpa go from Baszkiria through india, Middle East straight to Europe and Poland. That was hell of a trip for him, my grand-grandma has a grave in Bwanamkubwa, North Rodesia. I have to visit her someday.
This was not the only bear in the Polish Army . There was a polar bear in service beafore WW2 . It took part in military parades in Warsaw and learned how to salute .
She was called "Baśka Murmańska". And thats right, she was taking a part I many parades and always salute to our Generals. Unfortunately she was killed by some rednecks
dzięki za reakcje.Psy były też szkolone i wykorzystywane do tego aby w obozach koncentracyjnych rzucać się więźniom do gardeł. Tak opisywał w swojej książce jeden Polak Stanisław Grzesiuk "5 lat kacetu"
Do mojego dziadka przychodził Emil Czech który zagrał na ruinach na trąbce. Pamiętam go miałem 4 lata z dziadkiem zamykali się w kuchni i o czymś rozmawiali. Zresztą mój dziadek też był na zachodzie a wujek zginął 24.04.1952 wraz ze swoimi odzialem w zasadzce ub i kbw walczyli wszyscy do końca. Ciał nie odnaleziono do dzisiaj.
Actually, "wojtek" is short, diminutive form of the full name that means "one who enjoys fighting". But yeah, even Polish people forget the meaning of the old traditional Polish/Slavonic names. So it's cool that somebody in the corps was smart enough to come with it, and somebody making the video was brilliant enough to notice it.
This story is neither complete nor accurate. Wojtek could not return to Poland because the Poland that the soldiers fought for no longer existed. They wanted to shoot him to spare him the pain. But eventually he spent the rest of his life at Edinburgh Zoo missing his keepers. The monument is in Scotland in Edinburgh but I also recommend the report "Historia bez censory" , th-cam.com/video/1AI5Qqr7_kU/w-d-xo.html
13:06 Wojtek watched working soldiers and he copied their work, but its wasn't first bear in Polish army. Earlier, during the first world war, Polish soldiers addopted siberian bear, name Baśka...and sad thing.. 27th January 2023 died last soldier 22th log. company and Wojtek's protector and friend, col. Narebski. RIP
Wojtek was inlisted into the army because it was required to be in the military to board the British transport ships… I believe that this was the main reason although it sure is a bonus for recording his history 😊
There was another bear, a polar bear that come to Edinburgh with Polish soldiers at the end of WW 1. Look it up under: 1- The forgotten story of Baska Murmanska, Edinburgh's first 'soldier bear'. 2 - Scotland's forgotten link with WW1 polar bear Baśka. 3 - Webber unravels incredible story of a Bolshevik-fighting polar bear adopted by Polish battalion. 4 - Baśka - polar bear that lent Polish troops a helping paw. There is at list 20-30 different articles on Baśka bear.
I'm sorry, Baska Murmanska has never been to Scotland. She came with the Polish Murmansk Battalion from Murmansk area in Russia to Modlin, where she was killed by peasants while escaping from her guardians. It was in 1919. She didn't take part in fights against the Bolshevics. She was very friendly polar bear.
@@frankj.thomas9429 This is what you get if you are using the biggest source of misinformation as main sours of information. " November 1919, the passers-by in Edinburgh were astounded at the unusual sight of a battalion of obviously foreign infantry parading in Princes Street. Their equipment revealed they were coming from the far north. But the greatest sensation was aroused by an enormous white polar bear, trained to keep pace with the ranks, and even standing to attention at appropriate moments, making the military salute with his paw."
13:05 He spent his entire life mimicking soldiers. He ate with them, splet with them, and when it came to battle he saw other soldiers picking up crates and moving them to other place, so his instinst kicked in and with with military training, he repeated their actions. He was trained his entire life for that moment.
about Your question Rob form 10:50 - At the time when Wojtek was given to the 2nd Polish Regiment, which was then stationed in Iran, he was still a small bear that could not even feed himself (soldiers fed him with milk from a bottle of vodka) Wojtek never lived in confinement, he lived with soldiers, he was on guard duty, he grew up in their company, therefore, he associated their scent, which allowed him to know who was the enemy and who was not. This fact was passed on by a soldier who was serving with Wojtek at the time and I had the honor of meeting him while still a very young person. He told me that he was very helpful during the night watches because he reacted to a scent he did not know and that way he recognize enemy in this way.
Kot ma instynkt lowcy i zgubnej ciekawosci uznaje tylko wolnosc niezaleznosc A polak wiecznie sluzyc pod zaborem ? ma instykt slepej dziecinnej naiwnosci uwiebia szykany i byc przez cwaniakow oszukiwany ...wiec zadna madra rada i madra szkola nauka wyklad na kanale na Yutube Nic na polaka rozumu korzysci nie zdola ? wiec kazdy przekaz prawdy jest im daremny sluchaja od Madrego ale wysilek aby to pojac jest nie do pokonania ze zrozumieniem przekazu =nie klei im sie madra proza = od madrych ludzi wyklad zostanie im w glowie jako pusta skleroza....
For this, as a reward, the leaders of our "allies" gave Poland into slavery, under Russian administration. And soldiers, fighting on all fronts, were persecuted and murdered.
The most interesting historical fact about Wojtek as well as the most frequently asked question how is it possible that the bear was officially awarded the military rank of a Polish soldier? Wojtek traveled with the 2nd Polish Corps from Iran to Egypt, where they were to be transported to Italy. The captain of the ship did not allow the bear to get on the ship, and the command of the Polish regiment announced that Wojtek was a soldier of the Polish army with the rank of corporal, which was of course entered into the history books :)
The saddest part of Wojtek's life is how it ended with him in a zoo. After being part of a community of humans this must have been a source of great sadness to him. Regardless of the monuments and fond memories the rest of his life was in stark contrast to his earlier life
It is such a cool story. We do remember about it in Poland. My kid's kindergarten was named after Wojtek the bear, they have his statue in the playground and kids got a book about him at the end ot school year.
There are MAAAAANY interesting details missed in this video, for instance - Wojtek loved baths and often were using ENTIERITY of the water supply which was really annoying for the crew so they've installed a lock... which he later then learned to open on his own, or that in his first days on the battlefield he was basically petrified from fear but as the war went on he got used to the noise and explosions, Wojtek also NEVER dropped the ammo box or the artillery shell he was carrying. My favourite fact however that was missed is that Wojtek was actually bought from a little boy in Africa for some canned food and chocolate, the boy was carrying the bear in his backpack.
@@loulou3738dzieś czytałam że któryś z Polaków spotkał małego miejscowego chłopca, który miał na sznurku na szyi ruszające się zawiniatko. Jak się zorientował że to mały niedźwiadek to wymienil się z chłopcem za jedzenie. Jakby Wojtka nie zabrał to raczej długo by niedźwiadek nie pożył. Chyba to było w książce Historia Bez Cenzury.
historically speaking, if you look closely, the betrayal in your own ranks was greater than outside ... the role of the last Polish king who, together with the business magnates, decided against a constitution in such a way that the kingdom fell in the course of time....poland heroically fought its way back onto the map during the turmoil of world war one...20 years after independence, a war on two fronts...I find Poland's history in its entirety over the centuries very impressive...everything is there in the story like in game of thrones...for centuries they belonged to the most important kingdoms .... no fake castles like Schwannstein .... there is history behind them...they took part in every war that was important for europe and in every epoch ... napoleon and poland were successful
If we mention the fighting at Monte Cassino, it is also worth mentioning this. On May 18 at noon, a victorious white-and-red flag was hoisted on the Monte Cassino hill. The assault cost the lives of 923 Polish soldiers, 2931 were wounded, and 345 were never found. The Battle of Monte Cassino was a testimony to Polish bravery and sacrifice.
There are three short animated videos about history of Poland that I’d love to see you react to. The names are (in order they should be watched) “Game for Independence” “Unconquered: Trying Times” and “Unconquered” by IPNTV ❤
If I had a nickel for every time Polish soldiers trained military bear, I'd have two nickels - which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
It's because of our constitution. It was inspired by the American Constitution. We were supposed to have the right to bear arms but due to a translation error, we got the right to arm bears. And you would get more than two nickels. Wojtek, Michał, and Baśka but it would not surprise me if there were more.
Wojtek died, because of memories. After a visit of His best friends and teachers, Wojtek's health start to struggle. He Was left alone, without understanding, Why!? All that time together, and You're all alone...
There is a statue in Edinburgh, there is also a statue in Kraków, in Jordan Park, between Blonia Park (largest open field in Kraków) and AGH University of Science and Technology.
On this occasion I'd like to add that Wojtek wasn't the first bear to serve in Polish military. There was a polar bear in 1918 named Baśka Murmańska (Barbara of Murmansk) which was marching with Murmansk Group - Polish military formations which fought against the Bolsheviks as an one of the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. She then returned to restored Poland and took part in a military parade in Warsaw in 1919.
actualy Wojtek is short way of full name Wojciech its old polish name of slavic origin ( my uncle has the same name :D) and Woj comes from wojownik-warrior and ciech means i guess uciecha which an be translated into hmm joy or happines but joy is more correct i would say and it meant "one who enjoys being a soldier","enjoying warrior"
The two most popular interpretations of the name "Woj-ciech". These are the Slavic one from pagan times and the one from the Christian Middle Ages. 1 is the "Warrior enjoying the fight" and 2 the "Comforter of the Army", alluding to St. Wojciech. I was a little interested in this topic myself. Because that's my name.
Today I found and subscribed to your channel. I am a Pole living in the UK for a long time. I am very glad that you are bringing the subject of Poland closer to the British. Cheers and I'm back to watching your videos.
There was another bear in other polish infantry, bigger than Wojtek. When they met, they fought, putting his name to the test and guess who won. "Little" Wojtek.
DEAR ROB, i write to you about my country. Please, you must to see a battle of WIZNA. and if you want hear a music "SABATON TEAM" , he song is only true about Poland history.
Hi Rob. I have something for you. Unsinkable Sam (also known as Oskar or Oscar) is the nickname of a ship's cat who purportedly served during World War II with both the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy and survived the sinking of three ships. Sergeant Stubby (1916 - March 16, 1926) was a dog and the unofficial mascot of the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (United States) and was assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division in World War I. Cher Ami (French for "dear friend", in the masculine) was a male[a] homing pigeon who had been donated by the pigeon fanciers of Britain for use by the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France during World War I and had been trained by American pigeoners. And the little dog 'Patron" a Ukrainian sapper serving in the war (right now) Cheers 🙌 Great channel.
i believe he's called Stewarts donkey it is an Australian war story about a donkey who was used to ferry the wounded solders during one of the big wars
When in Krakòw again , take a tram from the Center - direction ♡ Cichy Kącik, it will take you to park Jordana. Its the Childrens Park with red squirels ( take few nuts to feed them) Wojtek the bear monument placed there just few years ago. If intrested in Polish history read about Dr Henryk Jordan- started football team in Krakòw - bringing the first leather ball from England. The easiest history book about European countries is The Europe by Norman Davies. Written in capsules ( so you read brief note first and look for more in second part)
Antitank dogs failed, because germans and russians used different lubricants so tanks smelled differently. And dogs run to tank that smelled like ones what they were trained on. ie. own tanks.
When I was 9 or 10 I got a children's book about Wojtek and I love this bear ever since. It seems in Poland people don't see anything wrong about telling primary school kids about war, this wasn't the only childlren book about WW2 I heard of. Maybe because through our history we had some war in Poland most of the time.
Well, there ware actually 3 bears in polish army: during IWW Baśka and IIWW Wojtek and Michał. There was also monkey Kaśka. Wojtek didn't like Kaśka, he reackted very norvous on her name
Im from poland and ireland im sad that some mane time everyone only nowe about polish history that we wer crusht by our neigbours butt poland was wery great country Polish-Lithuania commonwealth was a wery powerfull country we never lose a war.
15:00 - I have a strange feeling this is not a photo of Wojtek with Polish soldiers, but a person dressing up as a bear... This is not what a face, especially the eyes of a living bear look like, nor a posture it could assume. I'm not sure about the uniforms, but the sign with city names is written with a German script very popular in the IIIrd Reich, and it's also listing a number of German cities next to some Russian ones, suggesting this had been standing in a German military camp at the eastern front. Which in turn suggests those might be nazi soldiers.
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If you are enjoying my Polish Reaction Videos, why not go check out our vlog channel where we have visted poland!
th-cam.com/play/PLw4JaWCFm7FeHG7Ad5PtaZzoYd1Vq5EXW.html
Wojtek killed hitler!
as a Polish person I'm enjoying non Polish people learning Polish language or about Poland
Where is Wojtek the Bear located? The statue of Wojtek the Bear stands in Princes St Gardens, providing a fitting tribute to this extraordinary wartime companion.
Wojtek's story has been told on film and in children's books. There are seven statues of him in Poland and Britain, and he has memorials in the national war museums of Britain and Canada
There is a statue to Wojtek in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. We're very proud of Wojtek here in Edinburgh!
... on 06.02.2023 passed away a polish veteran Ludwik Jaszczur who was fighting along side of Wojtek. He was visiting the bear statue every year on polish independence day with a flag of Poland. Rest in peace.
Yes because Polish soldiers must left Him. After the war, Polish soldiers fighting under the command of General Anders could not return to Poland due to the communist regime. In 1947, Wojtek stayed at the Edinburgh Zoo where he lived for over 20 years. Life in ZOO was not easy for him considering the fact that Wojtek never lived in confinement, he stayed with soldiers, served with them on guard duty and grew up with them starting from the African front until the end of the war when Polish soldiers ended up in Scotland. He just missed company.
Than I’m putting a pinpoint to Edinburgh. Going to visit it in about three years.
Kot ma instynkt lowcy i zgubnej ciekawosci uznaje tylko wolnosc niezaleznosc A polak wiecznie sluzyc pod zaborem ? ma instykt slepej dziecinnej naiwnosci uwiebia szykany i byc przez cwaniakow oszukiwany ...wiec zadna madra rada i madra szkola nauka wyklad na kanale na Yutube Nic na polaka rozumu korzysci nie zdola ? wiec kazdy przekaz prawdy jest im daremny sluchaja od Madrego ale wysilek aby to pojac jest nie do pokonania ze zrozumieniem przekazu =nie klei im sie madra proza = od madrych ludzi wyklad zostanie im w glowie jako pusta skleroza....
@@radosawzakosny5013 There were plans to move Wojtek to Poland, the Polish authorities wanted Wojtek to live in Poland and have better living conditions because he was a soldier and a war hero, but these plans failed. An interesting fact is that every time Wojtek heard Polish, he stood on two legs, raised one up and saluted
Czy my Polacy nie jesteśmy wspanialym narodem jako jedyni zasiedliśmy na Kremlu i jako jedynym niedźwiedź pociski przynosił JESTEM POLAKIEM to brzmi dumnie❤
Polak potrafi😂😂😂😂😂
Wojtek has memorials at the Imperial War Museum, London, Edinburgh Zoo and in Canada, and he is a national hero in Poland
Wojtek have also a memorial in Park Jordana -Kraków/Poland, since few years
He has also one in Szymbark (very small one, u can google it), a small town with fantastic attractions for history fans. It's about 50km from Gdańsk.
And there's one in Sopot (right next to Gdańsk).
in Italy is too
@@tizek2 Recently build one in Stettin too.
There is also a statuę of Wojtek in Sopot near the street..... Monte Cassino :)
Bears are dangerous animals. Poles are dangerous too. A mutual respect ;)
like Richard B. Riddick said : its an animal thing ;)
Poles are dangerous?? 😂 come on bro
@@Christof44 The Polish army was the fifth force of the Allied coalition, and Polish soldiers participated in a number of the most important battles that decided the fate of World War II. They were present e.g. near Narvik, Arnhem, Monte Cassino, Falaise. They participated in the liberation of Bologna, Breda, conquered Wilhelmshaven and Anconae. The participation of the 302 "Poznański" Squadron in the Battle of Great Britain was significant: the pilots shot down 27, probably 11 and damaged two German planes, six Polish and one British pilot died in combat. The 303rd Squadron during the Battle of Britain shot down 110 German aircraft - the most among fighter squadrons taking part in the fighting. Less than a year after the painful September defeat, the Polish airmen got the opportunity to revenge in the skies of England. Squadrons 300 and 301 are Polish bomber squadrons in the British Army. Polish units, such as: 1st Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek,
2. Corps of General Władysław Anders,
Independent Podhale Rifle Brigade, Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade
. Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade. It inflicted heavy losses on German forces on all fronts of WWII. After the Allied landings in Normandy and during the operation at Falaise, the German soldier was more afraid than death of falling into the hands of the "Black Devils", and this is not about American soldiers of African descent. "Black Devils" were called by the Germans a Polish soldier of the 1st Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek. In 1939, then still Col. Stanisław Maczek commanded the 10th Cavalry Brigade, it was the Motor Brigade. The losses inflicted on the attackers and the skills of Stanisław Maczek and his subordinates aroused respect. The Germans were afraid that the Poles would take revenge for what the Wermacht was doing in Poland.
That's perfect comment on all this story 😂😂
@@Mochafk1 Thank you!
The fact he reacted on polish language so many years after war is making me cry :( beautiful story.
I grew up hearing these stories as my late father was Polish, and a ww2 veteran, also at Monte Cassino. My dad had the pleasure of making Wojtek's acquaintance!! He used to tell us that Wojtek would steal his cigarettes and he loved a beer!! He loved his food. And he did help with the moving of ammo. Dad said he was just one of the lads, but said in fact he was incredibly important for morale.
So your dad met and fought alongside Wojtek? Your dad is a Polish Hero. The Battle of Monte Cassino was utterly brutal and it took the Poles to finish the job. Much respect and rembrance to your Father 🇵🇱🇵🇱
@@angierucinski5694 thank you so much. Yes he encountered Wojtek a few times. My visit with him to Monte Cassino in the 70s when I was about 18, was the first time, when he described the battle, that I really realised just what he had been through. He met my Italian mum in '45 they married in '46. My parents were my heroes!
I've read the book "Wojtek" what an amazing and moving story of polish soldiers and and a bear during WWII! I literally cried my eyes out at the end, so moving!
He was a true Polish soldier
unfortunately after war Wojtek couldn't go to Poland as many polish soldiers becouse allies were so worried , scared about Stalin that they didn't give back independence to Poland ,they decided to give Poland as a gift to communist , many brave polish soldiers after war were punished from communist , died tortured in prisons in their own country which goverment were created by hated russian communist , western countries betrayed Poland and gave it to hands of one from occupiers from 1939
Exactly. Such a reward for heroism and bravery.
W Szczecinie jest Skwer Misia Wojtka, plac dla dzieci plus zdjecia i historia Wojtka wraz z pomnikiem na ktorego można wejsc, i sa lody tez, polecam!
Wojtek have also a memorial in Park Jordana -Kraków/Poland, since few years. W Krakowie, w Parku Jordana pomnik Wojtka stoi od kilku lat
Actually, during the WWI a similar story has happened in the Polish Murmańsk batallion. The soldiers adopted a female polar bear and she became known as Baśka Murmańska. Together with the unit, she went through the entire combat trail. The word is that she was learnt how to salute. This story is not well known, though.
Dziękuję za podpowiedź tej historii, nie znam jej, ale poszukam wiadomości! Pozdrawiam!
I think they forgot to mention that Wojtek was promoted to corporal for his duty. Thanks for reaction, We Poles are very proud of that hero bear.
They did mention, at 14:48
It has been said , that Wojtek never drop an ammo box...
that is not true.
th-cam.com/video/7NXf6eYnEc4/w-d-xo.html
Actually IT was a second bear serving in Polish Army. In 1919 Polish troops fighting alongside British intervention forces in Russian Civil War found a little polar bear that they named Basia (little Barbara) that was brought to Poland. IT took part in the military parade in Warsaw. IT even shook hands with Marshal Piłsudski.
Wojtek miał lepszy kamuflaż .
Podczas wojny z bolszewikami w 1919 r. w polskiej formacji Murmańczyków "służyła" niedźwiedzica Baśka Murmańska. Wojtek nie był więc pierwszym i nie był jedynym niedźwiedziem w wojsku polskim :)
Ale Wojtek był sławniejszy.
Jest też trzeci misiu. Jaki? Czekam na odp.
Michał?
The battle of Monte Casino has a particular value to us (Poles). General Anders forces managed to conquer the hill while other allie nations struggled to accomplish this quest. There is a beautiful song telling about Polish bravery and sacrafice during this event. Its called ,,The red poppies of Monte Casino"and is definitely one of the most beautiful polish war songs and I highly recommend you to listen to it. Thx for your content
Polacy zajęli wzgórze Monte Casino dzielnie walcząc,ale Niemcy wcześniej dostali rozkaz wycofania się którego wykonać nie chcieli. Gdyby oni się nie wycofali pewnie dzielni Polacy by się tam wykrwawili.
For Poles who think, this battle is the same as at Lenino - the goal was to bleed Poles, Anders is a traitor, a Jewish farmhand, he should be judged, not recognized.
@@Pneuma2000 bzdury napisałeś - to jest ignorancja lub zakorzeniony antypolonizm.
@@marysiamikulska1093 To jest fakt. Też wolałem tę pierwszą wersję i gdy to pierwszy raz usłyszałem to pomyślałem,że to żart lub kpiny bo to był Niemiec. póżniej usłyszałem to samo od polskiego historyka.
@@marysiamikulska1093 Ta pierwsza odpowiedż którą wykasowałem nie była do tego tematu, po prostu pomyłka 🤣
My grandpa was in Anders Army, soviets killed my grand-grandpa, and my grandpa go from Baszkiria through india, Middle East straight to Europe and Poland. That was hell of a trip for him, my grand-grandma has a grave in Bwanamkubwa, North Rodesia. I have to visit her someday.
This was not the only bear in the Polish Army . There was a polar bear in service beafore WW2 .
It took part in military parades in Warsaw and learned how to salute .
She was called "Baśka Murmańska". And thats right, she was taking a part I many parades and always salute to our Generals. Unfortunately she was killed by some rednecks
Ah yes. Baśka Murmańska. There was also Michał around the same time as Wojtek, but he was too aggressive so they left him in Zoo in middle east.
@@Krokmaniak Niedzwiedz Michałwas very aggressive and ended up in the ZOO after he attacked the unprovoked "Private Wojtek".
Poland is onto something, I say. Imagine, a horde of warbeasts advencing at the enemy.
@@jedrzejbiaokryty1925 maybe the next war will be between Polish and Russian bears .
There's some of Wojteks statues. We have one in Krakow. Fun fact is that, he is pointing the way to statue of Anders, who was Wojtek "commander" :)
dzięki za reakcje.Psy były też szkolone i wykorzystywane do tego aby w obozach koncentracyjnych rzucać się więźniom do gardeł. Tak opisywał w swojej książce jeden Polak Stanisław Grzesiuk "5 lat kacetu"
Do mojego dziadka przychodził Emil Czech który zagrał na ruinach na trąbce. Pamiętam go miałem 4 lata z dziadkiem zamykali się w kuchni i o czymś rozmawiali. Zresztą mój dziadek też był na zachodzie a wujek zginął 24.04.1952 wraz ze swoimi odzialem w zasadzce ub i kbw walczyli wszyscy do końca. Ciał nie odnaleziono do dzisiaj.
Szacunek.
Wojtek was not the only Bear which Poles adopted, there was aswell Basia Murmańska which helped in Polsh - Bolshevik war. Basia was a Polar Bear.
Actually, "wojtek" is short, diminutive form of the full name that means "one who enjoys fighting". But yeah, even Polish people forget the meaning of the old traditional Polish/Slavonic names. So it's cool that somebody in the corps was smart enough to come with it, and somebody making the video was brilliant enough to notice it.
This story is neither complete nor accurate. Wojtek could not return to Poland because the Poland that the soldiers fought for no longer existed. They wanted to shoot him to spare him the pain. But eventually he spent the rest of his life at Edinburgh Zoo missing his keepers. The monument is in Scotland in Edinburgh but I also recommend the report "Historia bez censory" ,
th-cam.com/video/1AI5Qqr7_kU/w-d-xo.html
🐻🐻🐻
13:06 Wojtek watched working soldiers and he copied their work, but its wasn't first bear in Polish army. Earlier, during the first world war, Polish soldiers addopted siberian bear, name Baśka...and sad thing.. 27th January 2023 died last soldier 22th log. company and Wojtek's protector and friend, col. Narebski. RIP
Wojtek was inlisted into the army because it was required to be in the military to board the British transport ships… I believe that this was the main reason although it sure is a bonus for recording his history 😊
There was another bear, a polar bear that come to Edinburgh with Polish soldiers at the end of WW 1. Look it up under: 1- The forgotten story of Baska Murmanska, Edinburgh's first 'soldier bear'. 2 - Scotland's forgotten link with WW1 polar bear Baśka. 3 - Webber unravels incredible story of a Bolshevik-fighting polar bear adopted by Polish battalion. 4 - Baśka - polar bear that lent Polish troops a helping paw. There is at list 20-30 different articles on Baśka bear.
I'm sorry, Baska Murmanska has never been to Scotland. She came with the Polish Murmansk Battalion from Murmansk area in Russia to Modlin, where she was killed by peasants while escaping from her guardians. It was in 1919. She didn't take part in fights against the Bolshevics. She was very friendly polar bear.
@@frankj.thomas9429 ??? There are pictures in the local newspapers to prove it.
@@gancarzpl It's not truth. On Wikipedia you have the whole story abut that bear. pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baśka_Murmańska.
@@frankj.thomas9429 This is what you get if you are using the biggest source of misinformation as main sours of information.
" November 1919, the passers-by in Edinburgh were astounded at the unusual sight of a battalion of obviously foreign infantry parading in Princes Street. Their equipment revealed they were coming from the far north. But the greatest sensation was aroused by an enormous white polar bear, trained to keep pace with the ranks, and even standing to attention at appropriate moments, making the military salute with his paw."
13:05
He spent his entire life mimicking soldiers. He ate with them, splet with them, and when it came to battle he saw other soldiers picking up crates and moving them to other place, so his instinst kicked in and with with military training, he repeated their actions. He was trained his entire life for that moment.
Nobody trained him for anything. But living with the Soldiers, he imitated their behavior on his own. ;)
about Your question Rob form 10:50 - At the time when Wojtek was given to the 2nd Polish Regiment, which was then stationed in Iran, he was still a small bear that could not even feed himself (soldiers fed him with milk from a bottle of vodka) Wojtek never lived in confinement, he lived with soldiers, he was on guard duty, he grew up in their company, therefore, he associated their scent, which allowed him to know who was the enemy and who was not. This fact was passed on by a soldier who was serving with Wojtek at the time and I had the honor of meeting him while still a very young person. He told me that he was very helpful during the night watches because he reacted to a scent he did not know and that way he recognize enemy in this way.
Kot ma instynkt lowcy i zgubnej ciekawosci uznaje tylko wolnosc niezaleznosc A polak wiecznie sluzyc pod zaborem ? ma instykt slepej dziecinnej naiwnosci uwiebia szykany i byc przez cwaniakow oszukiwany ...wiec zadna madra rada i madra szkola nauka wyklad na kanale na Yutube Nic na polaka rozumu korzysci nie zdola ? wiec kazdy przekaz prawdy jest im daremny sluchaja od Madrego ale wysilek aby to pojac jest nie do pokonania ze zrozumieniem przekazu =nie klei im sie madra proza = od madrych ludzi wyklad zostanie im w glowie jako pusta skleroza....
JESTEM DUMNA JAKO POLKA .NASZA ARMIA WALCZYLA NA WSZYSTKICH FRONTACH. ZA NASZA I WASZA WOLNOSC🇵🇱✌🤝❤ ELA
I dostaliśmy nauczkę żeby walczyć tylko za swoją wolność
@@Irepak Dokładnie. Dobrze podsumowane. Nadal nie wyciągnęliśmy wniosków z tej nauczki.
For this, as a reward, the leaders of our "allies" gave Poland into slavery, under Russian administration. And soldiers, fighting on all fronts, were persecuted and murdered.
Świetnie, tylko postaraj się na drugi raz nie pisać kapitalikami, bo to jest żenujące.
The most interesting historical fact about Wojtek as well as the most frequently asked question how is it possible that the bear was officially awarded the military rank of a Polish soldier? Wojtek traveled with the 2nd Polish Corps from Iran to Egypt, where they were to be transported to Italy. The captain of the ship did not allow the bear to get on the ship, and the command of the Polish regiment announced that Wojtek was a soldier of the Polish army with the rank of corporal, which was of course entered into the history books :)
He was a private when boarding a ship. He was promoted to corporal later on, after the Monte Cassino battle in which Wojtek took active part.
The bear knew whoever spoke german was the foe xD
Nasz dzielny żołnierz
The saddest part of Wojtek's life is how it ended with him in a zoo. After being part of a community of humans this must have been a source of great sadness to him. Regardless of the monuments and fond memories the rest of his life was in stark contrast to his earlier life
In Krakow in the Jordan Park 10 minutes walk from the old town is a large beautiful monument to soldier Wojtek.
It is such a cool story. We do remember about it in Poland. My kid's kindergarten was named after Wojtek the bear, they have his statue in the playground and kids got a book about him at the end ot school year.
Princes street gardens, Edinburgh
Apologies the statue in the video is in princes Street Gardens Edinburgh
There are MAAAAANY interesting details missed in this video, for instance - Wojtek loved baths and often were using ENTIERITY of the water supply which was really annoying for the crew so they've installed a lock... which he later then learned to open on his own, or that in his first days on the battlefield he was basically petrified from fear but as the war went on he got used to the noise and explosions, Wojtek also NEVER dropped the ammo box or the artillery shell he was carrying.
My favourite fact however that was missed is that Wojtek was actually bought from a little boy in Africa for some canned food and chocolate, the boy was carrying the bear in his backpack.
A to ciekawe, zawsze zastanawiałam się jak on się przyplątał do żołnierzy
@@loulou3738dzieś czytałam że któryś z Polaków spotkał małego miejscowego chłopca, który miał na sznurku na szyi ruszające się zawiniatko. Jak się zorientował że to mały niedźwiadek to wymienil się z chłopcem za jedzenie. Jakby Wojtka nie zabrał to raczej długo by niedźwiadek nie pożył.
Chyba to było w książce Historia Bez Cenzury.
historically speaking, if you look closely, the betrayal in your own ranks was greater than outside ... the role of the last Polish king who, together with the business magnates, decided against a constitution in such a way that the kingdom fell in the course of time....poland heroically fought its way back onto the map during the turmoil of world war one...20 years after independence, a war on two fronts...I find Poland's history in its entirety over the centuries very impressive...everything is there in the story like in game of thrones...for centuries they belonged to the most important kingdoms .... no fake castles like Schwannstein .... there is history behind them...they took part in every war that was important for europe and in every epoch ... napoleon and poland were successful
there is also a statue of Wojtek in Krakow, in the Jordan Park
I am Wojtek by name actually and love this story.
If we mention the fighting at Monte Cassino, it is also worth mentioning this.
On May 18 at noon, a victorious white-and-red flag was hoisted on the Monte Cassino hill. The assault cost the lives of 923 Polish soldiers, 2931 were wounded, and 345 were never found. The Battle of Monte Cassino was a testimony to Polish bravery and sacrifice.
There are three short animated videos about history of Poland that I’d love to see you react to. The names are (in order they should be watched) “Game for Independence” “Unconquered: Trying Times” and “Unconquered” by IPNTV ❤
If I had a nickel for every time Polish soldiers trained military bear, I'd have two nickels - which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
It's because of our constitution. It was inspired by the American Constitution. We were supposed to have the right to bear arms but due to a translation error, we got the right to arm bears. And you would get more than two nickels. Wojtek, Michał, and Baśka but it would not surprise me if there were more.
@@duszkin Zajebista gra słów i na dodatek ma sens. 😉
The statues of Wojtek are in Edinburgh, Cassino, Sopot and Szymbark near Gdańsk.
Well the statue/monument of Wojtek are scatter around Great Britain and Poland en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wojtek_(bear)#Legacy
There's a statue of Wojtek in Sopot, Poland. Quite new one. Since 2019
Wojtek died, because of memories. After a visit of His best friends and teachers, Wojtek's health start to struggle. He Was left alone, without understanding, Why!? All that time together, and You're all alone...
In Szczecin (Poland) there is a square named after Wojtek the Bear, with a beautiful sculpture of this great bear. 👌
Strażnicy ZOO w Edynburgu mieli problem z powodu, że żołnierze z którymi Wojtek przebywał przeskakiwali przez płot i bawili się z nim 🤣🤣
There is a statue in Edinburgh, there is also a statue in Kraków, in Jordan Park, between Blonia Park (largest open field in Kraków) and AGH University of Science and Technology.
On this occasion I'd like to add that Wojtek wasn't the first bear to serve in Polish military. There was a polar bear in 1918 named Baśka Murmańska (Barbara of Murmansk) which was marching with Murmansk Group - Polish military formations which fought against the Bolsheviks as an one of the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. She then returned to restored Poland and took part in a military parade in Warsaw in 1919.
the story of Wojtek and other unusual animals is also described in Clare Balding's book "Heroic Animals. 100 amazing creatures great and small"
actualy Wojtek is short way of full name Wojciech its old polish name of slavic origin ( my uncle has the same name :D) and Woj comes from wojownik-warrior and ciech means i guess uciecha which an be translated into hmm joy or happines but joy is more correct i would say and it meant "one who enjoys being a soldier","enjoying warrior"
The two most popular interpretations of the name "Woj-ciech". These are the Slavic one from pagan times and the one from the Christian Middle Ages. 1 is the "Warrior enjoying the fight" and 2 the "Comforter of the Army", alluding to St. Wojciech. I was a little interested in this topic myself. Because that's my name.
so it means: Walter
That is an inspiring story. Magnificent.
There is a statue of Wojtek and it is in very prestigious area of Sopot. So you can see, how serious story of Wojtek for us is in Poland.
Yeah, it's an amazing story. The animals are much smarter than we used to think ❤
Animals dont lie :)
Today I found and subscribed to your channel. I am a Pole living in the UK for a long time. I am very glad that you are bringing the subject of Poland closer to the British. Cheers and I'm back to watching your videos.
Hey, boyo! Why wasn't a movie ever was a movie made of this story?! This is an amazing story!!!!
Why, Angelina Jolie?!!
Polacy to wyjątkowy Naród - prawda?🙂
Very much so
There was another bear in other polish infantry, bigger than Wojtek.
When they met, they fought, putting his name to the test and guess who won.
"Little" Wojtek.
I love this story 🥰❤️
Wojtek monument is in Scotland;)
There is another statue of Wojtek in Sopot on Monte Casino street💪😁
mistake. Wojtek was a Polish soldier (documents prove this), not a military teddy bear.
in Krakow, in the Jordan Park, there is a statue of Wojtek
There is also Wojtek's statue in Sopot, Poland.
Baśka Murmańska - this is the name of the second polish bear serving in polish army. Were few more but I can not remember their names.
15:48 That monument of "Wojtek" is in Edynburg (Scotland). But there is many more around the world.
Was a polar bear Baska before😀.
Dziękuję ❤
DEAR ROB, i write to you about my country. Please, you must to see a battle of WIZNA. and if you want hear a music "SABATON TEAM" , he song is only true about Poland history.
Thank you Rob for your excelent English, very friendly for no native speakers.
Cheers! :)
Wojtek is a regular polish name, yet its meaning fits well to the situation :)
There is a statue of Wojtek in Kraków (Park Jordana) :)
15:51 This statue is in Princes Street Gardens in Edinbourgh
Imagine Germans in hell when satan told them they was killed by cannon loaded by a bear. Rest of the world bear arms, we Poles arm bears!
Haha brilliant
There is a book by Eileen Orr which tells the story. It's too long for me to describe but if you are really interested it's available on Amazon.
3:45 that's called forshadowing
Wojtek is a top lad.He loved drinking vodka and taking the shower :)
I love Your content.Carry on with a job well done.
He loved to smoke and eat cigarettes too. He drank beer but never drank vodka...
A real party animal.
If i'm not mistaken bears are just big dogs. There are like lions to cats.
Hi Rob. I have something for you. Unsinkable Sam (also known as Oskar or Oscar) is the nickname of a ship's cat who purportedly served during World War II with both the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy and survived the sinking of three ships. Sergeant Stubby (1916 - March 16, 1926) was a dog and the unofficial mascot of the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (United States) and was assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division in World War I. Cher Ami (French for "dear friend", in the masculine) was a male[a] homing pigeon who had been donated by the pigeon fanciers of Britain for use by the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France during World War I and had been trained by American pigeoners. And the little dog 'Patron" a Ukrainian sapper serving in the war (right now) Cheers 🙌 Great channel.
It's amazing to learn about animals that were a part of the wars
i believe he's called Stewarts donkey it is an Australian war story about a donkey who was used to ferry the wounded solders during one of the big wars
Not a thief but a spy and BEAR felt scared human
When in Krakòw again , take a tram from the Center - direction ♡ Cichy Kącik, it will take you to park Jordana. Its the Childrens Park with red squirels ( take few nuts to feed them) Wojtek the bear monument placed there just few years ago.
If intrested in Polish history read about Dr Henryk Jordan- started football team in Krakòw - bringing the first leather ball from England.
The easiest history book about European countries is The Europe by Norman Davies.
Written in capsules ( so you read brief note first and look for more in second part)
Wojtek had his passport, he was officially a soldier and also served as a corporal
3:48 he also drank beer and went to the bar with the soldiers
Chapter was titled "Private Wojtek", His ID says "Corporal"
Wojtek spoke only Persian and Polish that what he know who is friendly. A fact
Antitank dogs failed, because germans and russians used different lubricants so tanks smelled differently. And dogs run to tank that smelled like ones what they were trained on. ie. own tanks.
When I was 9 or 10 I got a children's book about Wojtek and I love this bear ever since.
It seems in Poland people don't see anything wrong about telling primary school kids about war, this wasn't the only childlren book about WW2 I heard of. Maybe because through our history we had some war in Poland most of the time.
Well, there ware actually 3 bears in polish army: during IWW Baśka and IIWW Wojtek and Michał. There was also monkey Kaśka. Wojtek didn't like Kaśka, he reackted very norvous on her name
Hi, U can find out a Wojtek statue also in Henryk Jordan Park in Cracow.
I'm surprised still is no 'full movie' about so interesting story?!
It doesn't mean "joyful soldier", but rather "one who enjoys war" or "one who cheers for war".
Im from poland and ireland im sad that some mane time everyone only nowe about polish history that we wer crusht by our neigbours butt poland was wery great country Polish-Lithuania commonwealth was a wery powerfull country we never lose a war.
15:00 - I have a strange feeling this is not a photo of Wojtek with Polish soldiers, but a person dressing up as a bear... This is not what a face, especially the eyes of a living bear look like, nor a posture it could assume. I'm not sure about the uniforms, but the sign with city names is written with a German script very popular in the IIIrd Reich, and it's also listing a number of German cities next to some Russian ones, suggesting this had been standing in a German military camp at the eastern front. Which in turn suggests those might be nazi soldiers.
You have to learn about Monte Casino .....
If I had a nickel for every bear that was in polish military in 20th century I would have three. It ain't much but it's strange it happened thrice
Just when you thought that Polish soldiers couldn't be any more badass, they go ahead and whip out a bear.