*Boosts crew morale by just existing. *Ensures sanitation of the ship, and in turn, ensures the crew are in better fighting shape at all times. *Public relations darling for the armed forces. Not all heroes are in the front-line.
One of the best thing about Wojtek is that he’s not even the first bear to serve in the Polish military. A Polish regiment actually adopted a polar bear during the Russian Civil War named Baśka Murmańska. I was very disappointed to learn there was no bear in the UPA uprising.
Sad Cher Ami wasn't in this video, who was also a carrier pigeon. Cher was heavily injured, having a leg shot off and being blinded, and he still delivered a crucial message that saved alot of people
Fun fact about Sgt. Reckless, after her retirement she was moved to Camp Pendleton in the U.S. where she had four foals (three colts and one filly). Her first foal was supposed to be sired by a certain racehorse, but a stallion from one of the rodeos Camp Pendleton would host got loose and got to Reckless first. The ones responsible for breeding Reckless were not made aware of this at first and still paired her up with the racehorse shortly after (they did find out about the incident later though). So, it is unknown whether the father of her first foal, whose name is Fearless, was a prestigious racehorse, or some random rodeo bronc
If anyone was wondering how I got this information, it's from the book SGT. Reckless America's War Horse by Robin Hutton, it's a really great detailed summary of her life
@@Hershewed No actually, Sgt. Reckless died two years before Secretariat was even born. I forgot the name of the racehorse that was supposed to sire her foal, and I tried to look it up, but for some reason couldn't find it. I would reread the book to find out, but I have no idea where I put it! Sorry I couldn't tell you the name of the specific horse
@@KendlickLamalike a toddler who is always angry and also 2 times stronger than you and not only can but will eat your face if you dont feed him in time, or just for fun.
Just a little more context into Wojtek and his polish allies. None of these soldiers were from occupied german part of poland. The bear was bought in Iran after the polish 2° corps were released from gulags in soviet union. They were in the Gulags prior to the hitler Stalin pact of non aggression, but were released to fight alongside the allies after Hitler broke the treaty.
Hey I have a video idea - "Most remarkable thing about each year since 1800/1900" Dunno if it's been done before or not but I like those long videos of yours.
I think it is so unbeliavably wholesome if you think how each and every servicemen saw and respected their trusty animal comrades just as one of them. And i guess it goes even over the troops in which said animal was, because of the medals. Just heartwarming.
Further information for nobody that was curious: The name 'Nils Olav' and associated ranks have been passed down through three king penguins since 1972, the current holder being Nils Olav III.
Some clarification about Wojtek and his rank - namely who gave it to him and some other bits and bobs. The stories slightly differ but this is the one that is most commonly held: When in Cairo the 22nd Artillery Transport of the Polish Army was to embark on a Royal Navy transport ship to go to Italy. For obvious reasons, pets and mascots were not allowed on the ship (except ship cats which was a British Navy tradition). It was actually the idea of of a British Major and his Polish handler to issue Wojtek with a passport, enlistment papers and give him the rank of Corporal. The bear's full name was: Wojtek Perski (The happy warrior from Persia) He didn't just load boxes into trucks. He actually had a rig on his back to carry shells also and did so during the battle of Monte Cassino. One of the single best statues of Wojtek is in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.
You saved the best for last, I see. Corporal Wojtek is an absolute unit, and a war hero. Hes also a dream of many, many folks- the world's only War Bear. Only the Poles are dumb enough to adopt a cute little orphaned bear, and somehow raise him to be a warrior. They do not beg for freedom they fight for it. And Wojtek fought for his family, because orphans fight the hardest.
As an Army vet the thought of a horse getting a good conduct medal in the Marines almost made me choke on my food. I am certain most of her compatriots didn't stay out of trouble long enough to get one of those. Absolutely hilarious.
If you do a part 2 look at Judy the dog. She was a ship's dog in the RN, and got her Dickens medal helping POW's in Japanese camps. Also the only animal officially listed as a POW.
I could only imagine the fear in the enemies eyes if any of them tried to flank wojteks division. Just to think oh yeah this is an easy artillery crew to take out, but then bamm. A fricken bear in Military attire comes out
Sad you didn’t mention how Wojtek also stopped a group of nazi spies when they tried to sneak into a polish military camp. When they went in Wojtek woke up and pinned them down until polish soldiers came over.
Wojtek liked showers but litteraly always used all of camp Waters suplays so he just go stealth 100 to go take a showers and ye that's THE moment when nazi tried to sneak in and meet a fuckin bear taking a shower
