Home | Wersja Polska, Polish Version People's Stories |
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People's Stories |
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Around the world...When news of my forthcoming book (January 2008) appeared in the local press, I could never have anticipated the interest from around the world in Voytek`s story... it was incredible! As a result, among the many emails I received was one from Andy Traverse (Szawlugo). We corresponded and became good friends. Andy`s father – Dymitri Szawlugo was a member of the 22nd Transport Company. Dymitri lives in Surrey, England. Andy is a dentist in Canada. He has bought several hundred books and offers a free book to each of his dental patients. To my amazement Andy identified the soldier featured on the back cover of the book... Henryk Zaccharewicz.
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"I told the stories for years..." |
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Winfield Camp 1947 Henryk Zaccharewicz & Voytek, Winfield Camp 1947 (photo courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Shepherd, Coldstream) Mrs. Shepherd was a cook on Winfield camp in 1947. This photograph lay for years in a drawer. |
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Voytek “playing“... Voytek “playing“ with two local lads (George Hall, Des Divine). Winfield Camp 1947. George recalled how he was told not to be afraid of the bear. The Polish soldier pointed out that it was always important that Voytek was fed before the boys played with him! ...it was not advisable to approach Voytek whilst he was eating! |
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Dymitri`s life story In August last year I travelled to Surrey to meet Andy and his family. (Andy (left), Dymitri, myself). It was fantastic to meet Andy and Dymitri and also to hear Dymitri`s stories about Voytek.
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L/Cpl Marian Blazejewicz 2nd Polish Corps 22nd Transport Co.
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Kashka (monkey)... Now aged 87yrs Marian recalled how he travelled with Voytek and Kashka (monkey) on board M.S. Batory (from Egypt to Italy). After the War, Marian spent several months at Winfield Camp. Eventually, Marian settled on the outskirts of Edinburgh and worked as a coal miner. After the War the Polish Army recognised Voytek's efforts and incorporated his emblem on the trucks and Army buildings. |
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Voytek was not forgotten...the Polish community did not forget their hero. Thousands of Poles visited Voytek regularly at Edinburgh Zoo, often giving him a cigarette! Lt., Mieczyslaw Gladysz-Gryff often took his daughter Karen to visit Wojtek at Edinburgh Zoo. Close to the Zoo -"The Post House Hotel" owned by Sir Rocco Forte (1960's) contained a Lounge Bar decorated and furnished in a "Voytek" theme. Table mats etc., carried Voytek's image. A wooden statue of Voytek stood in the corner. This statue is now owned by Barnardos.
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Planning an exhibition...Krystyna Ivell (nee Mackiewicz) is planning an exhibition at the Sikorski Museum, London about Voytek and the Polish people`s history. We would be interested to hear from anyone who has any photos, memorabilia etc. that could be used in the exhibition. Contact: email: Garry Paulin |
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See more pictures of |
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Book: Voytek the Soldier Bear Garry's contact details email: Garry Paulin website: www.voytekbear.com Berwick-Upon-Tweed UK |
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Voytek the Soldier Bear by Garry Paulin