Since time immemorial, animals have accompanied and supported people in their daily lives. It was no different in times of war, when various animals served as means of transport, companions for rest after the hardships of battle, etc. Also in the discussed 2nd Polish Corps, soldiers took in animals, which were for them a relief from the tragedy of war, became friends in the most difficult moments. The most famous was of course Wojtek the bear – a Syrian brown bear bought near the city of Hamadan (Iran) by Lieutenant Anatol Tarnowiecki on April 8, 1942 for a girl named Irena. He was eventually taken in by soldiers of the Polish Army, because she could not look after him in a civilian camp. After a stay at the headquarters in Tehran, on 22.08.1942 he was accepted into the 2nd Transport Company stationed in the Gedera camp in Palestine, renamed in 1943 to the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. He was officially conscripted into the army and given the rank of private. Instead of pay, he received a double portion of food. “Big Wojtek” (in contrast to “Little Wojtek” – a soldier of the Company – Wojciech Narębski) loved wrestling with soldiers, all kinds of pranks, but also helped, for example, in carrying boxes of ammunition to Monte Cassino. Together with the Company, he traveled the entire war trail – through Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, the Italian campaign, and was transported with the soldiers to Scotland after the end of the war. The badge with Wojtek carrying a shell became a characteristic symbol of the 22nd KZA, present on the uniforms of the soldiers and on their trucks. After the Company was demobilized, he was sent to Edinburgh Zoo on 15.11.1947, where he died on 2.12.1963. Throughout his stay at the zoo, he responded lively to the Polish of former soldiers of the 2nd Corps visiting him. Many documentaries, books and even a comic book have been made about him. He is a constant inspiration for many people, especially children in learning about the history of the 2nd Corps.
Wojtek’s first friend was a British officer’s Dalmatian dog, with whom the little bear could play all day long.
Another bear, Michał, brought to the 22nd KZA on September 13, 1943, who was supposed to keep Wojtek company, unfortunately behaved very aggressively towards him and was eventually given to the Tel Aviv Zoo.
In return, the Company received a monkey, Kasia, on September 24, 1943. Because she was very spiteful and constantly imitated Wojtek, he usually covered his eyes at the sight of her. However, they remained together in the unit until the end.
The Artillery Supply Company was not the only unit of the 2nd Corps that took care of animals. Dogs, monkeys and birds accompanied the fate of Polish soldiers of other units of the Corps. They provided respite, were a symbol of the old, peaceful times.
