10 Incredible Animal War Heroes
4. Wojtek
Wojtek was a cigarette-smoking (eating?), beer-drinking bear mascot of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish Land Forces. He served during World War II.
Wojtek was made a private in the Polish Army to outmanoeuvre restrictions on British transport ships which forbade animals and mascots from boarding.
He wrestled with the soldiers, marched on his hind legs, and drank beer. His greatest contribution was at the battle of Monte Cassino where he carried 100-pound crates containing artillery shells.
Wojtek came back a hero from the war and retired to the Edinburgh Zoo.