WW1 mascots: bears in a zoo
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WW1 mascots: bears in a zoo
WW1 mascots: bears in a zoo, 1916.
1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14387705
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the chaos and turmoil of the First World War, a sense of comfort and companionship was found in the most unexpected of places - the zoo. This poignant photograph, taken in 1916, captures a moment of respite as soldiers from the British Expeditionary Force gather around a pair of brown bears, their mascots, at London Zoo. The bears, named Winnie and Billy, were donated to the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment by Lieutenant Harrington and Private Greasley, respectively. Winnie, a female bear, was named after Winnipeg, the Canadian city where she was discovered as a cub. Billy, a male bear, was named after Private Greasley's hometown. The bond between the soldiers and their mascots was a strong one. The bears brought a sense of morale and camaraderie to the troops, and were often seen as good luck charms on the battlefield. When the regiment was deployed to France, Winnie and Billy made the journey with them, traveling in a specially built enclosure on the train. During their time in France, the bears became a source of fascination for the German soldiers, who would often leave food and cigarettes for them as a sign of respect. The bears even made an appearance in the trenches, much to the delight of the soldiers. After the war, Winnie and Billy returned to London Zoo, where they became popular attractions. Winnie went on to inspire the beloved children's character Winnie-the-Pooh, created by A.A. Milne. The photograph of the soldiers and their mascots at the zoo serves as a poignant reminder of the unique bonds that were formed during the First World War and the role that animals played in providing comfort and companionship to the troops.
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