In the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, there is a remarkable monument commemorating an unusual World War II hero - a Syrian brown bear named Wojtek. The monument, located in Princes Street Gardens park, recalls the unique story of man's friendship with a wild animal, as well as the Polish soldiers who fought side by side with the Allies.

Who was Wojtek?

Wojtek (1941-1963), a brown bear, was adopted by soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company, part of the 2nd Polish Corps commanded by General Władysław Anders. Wojtek's story begins in 1942, when Polish soldiers stationed in Iran came across a young bear that had lost its mother. The bear was quickly tamed by the soldiers and became an inseparable companion of the military company.

Wojtek quickly gained popularity among the soldiers and became a symbol of the Polish fighting spirit and brotherhood. Interestingly, the bear was officially enlisted as a soldier, given the rank of private, and even paid in food and beer, which he loved. During the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, Wojtek served in an unusual way - he helped carry crates of ammunition. Although not everyone was able to believe what they saw, Wojtek the bear actually took part in the war effort, which became a legend among Polish soldiers. He walked the combat trail from Iran through Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Egypt to Italy and then ended up in the UK. He was the only bear in the world to receive the rank of corporal and who became a war hero. Sadly, after the war he was no longer so appreciated and ended up at Edinburgh Zoo where he spent his last years in a small cage.

Monument in Princes Street Gardens

The statue of Wojtek in Edinburgh was officially unveiled in November 2015 and has since attracted both locals and tourists from around the world. The monument was designed by Scottish sculptor Alan Beattie Herriot and depicts Wojtek marching alongside a Polish soldier, symbolising his role in the 2nd Polish Corps.

The sculpture is made of bronze and the whole composition shows the deep relationship between man and animal. Around the base of the monument are bas-reliefs that illustrate Wojtek's history, from his arrival in the Polish army to his participation in the Battle of Monte Cassino. For Poles and Scots alike, the memorial has great historical and emotional significance.

Symbol of Polish-Scottish friendship

The Wojtek memorial in Edinburgh is also a symbol of the long-standing Polish-Scottish friendship. After the end of the war, many soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps, including Wojtek's guardians, were unable to return to Poland, which fell under the influence of the USSR. Consequently, they settled in the UK and Wojtek ended up in Edinburgh Zoo, where he spent the rest of his days.

The story of Wojtek the bear, although unusual and often surprising, has become a symbol of courage, loyalty and friendship. This monument is not only a tribute to him, but also to all the Polish soldiers who fought to defend freedom during the Second World War. For the people of Edinburgh and the tourists who visit Princes Street Gardens, this site is a reminder of the importance of the values of co-operation, courage and friendship that endured even under the most adverse conditions of war.

Wojtek today

Wojtek remains in the hearts of many people not only in Poland and Scotland, but all over the world. His story is told in books, films and documentaries, and a memorial in Edinburgh is one of many commemorating his remarkable life. Ceremonies are held each year to commemorate Wojtek, and the memorial itself has become a meeting point and a place to reflect on the past and the future.

The Wojtek Bear Monument is not just a sculpture. It is a testimony to the steadfastness born of friendship between man and animal, and a story that teaches us that even in the most difficult times, it is possible to build bonds based on mutual trust and respect.

Other memorials to Wojtek

The popularity that Wojtek the bear has gained has translated not only into publications about him but also into numerous commemorations. Most of them are in Poland, but apart from Edinburgh, teddy bear sculptures can also be found in:

- Imola (Italy) - more on this topic

- London, where the oldest representation of him can be found in the Polish Institute, its auctor is David Harding

- Cassino from 2019 by the author This monument weighing about 250 kg was made of precious marble from a deposit in the nearby village of Coreno Ausonio. The plaque next to it bears the inscription in Italian, Polish and English: "To the memory of Wojtek the teddy bear, friend of the soldiers, serving faithfully from 1942 to 1947 in the Corps of General Władysław Anders. To save from oblivion".

- Duns (UK) unveiled in 2016, this time the monument was a gift from the city of Żagań, the author is Wioletta Sosnowska.

- Grimsb (UK) unveiled in 2011 - wooden monument

In addition, in Penhros in the grounds of the retirement home there is a small statue made in wood with a representation of a bear. Its author is Stanislaw Gieszczykiewicz-Jaron and the Imperial War Museum has a plaque with a representation of Wojtek.

Bartłomiej Gutowski