In the spotlight: Wojtek the Bear

Combatants in all military conflicts tend to have mascots, good luck charms or rituals that help to retain a sense of hope or simply distract from the horrors of war.

Poland's 22nd Transport Company, a unit active during World War II, was no exception. The unit had an unusual soldier - a bear named Wojtek - who accompanied them all the way from Iran to Scotland. Now the city of Edinburgh is to host a monument commerating this largely unremembered war hero.

Born in Iran's mountains at some time around ?942, Wojtek was reportedly adopted as a cub by Polish troops. He then traveled with the company through Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Egypt. In ?944, the bear found himself in Italy and, together with his unit, took part in the famous battle of Monte Cassino.

More than just a mascot, Wojtek would carry ammunition and food. He was also known to indulge in a cigarette or a beer when the unit was at ease. Eventually his likeness found its way into the company's emblem.

After the war, the bear followed its comrades to Scotland, where the 22nd Transport Company was stationed in the county of Berwickshire. When the unit was demobilized in ?947, Wojtek was tranferred to a zoo in Edinburgh and continued to attract media attention until he died in December ?963.

The planned monument is meant to honor an exceptional historic figure whose memory lives on in some parts of Scotland, although many consider his story to be apocryphal. The surprising soldier will also soon have a book dedicated to himself as Garry Paulins' Voytek - the Soldier Bear is expected to be published in Scotland this month.