War is a terrifying and immensely difficult period in every respect. Often, it is ordinary people who become hostages to circumstance. This isn’t about the soldiers, officials, or leaders who shape a territory’s destiny, but about the population who have no direct influence on the course of events. For them, the only choice is to accept what is happening around them, along with all the restrictions, hardships, and sorrow. Read on at edinburghyes.
Of course, this is not to say that military personnel find wartime conditions easy. After all, they, more than anyone, must bear the greatest responsibility and face the full force of terrible events.
However, as is well known, danger reveals a person’s true nature. In this sense, war is the ultimate test. It is in such conditions that each of us can demonstrate not only the highest levels of endurance, enterprise, and heroism. Wartime events allow people to prove their humanity—or, conversely, the complete lack of it, which is so skilfully hidden in times of peace.
Edinburgh can justifiably be counted among the cities that have given the world many heroes. In the context of war, its veterans have displayed incredible heroism, willpower, and courage in the dreadful conditions of wartime.
In this article, you can learn more about the life of a man who, by a twist of fate, was not destined to be born in Edinburgh. Yet, the war reshaped his life in its own way, and this wonderful city became his home.
His name was Ludwik Jaszczur. During the Second World War, he was a brave soldier. He also had the honour of having a rather unusual friend: the legendary “soldier bear”, Wojtek.
Furthermore, Ludwik shared a warm friendship with the famous and historically important figure of Polish commander General Maczek, whose tank division played a significant role in the Allied liberation of France.
Early Years
Ludwik Jaszczur was born in Poland in 1927. However, the future hero’s family was taken from their home by the Nazis. He was only 12 years old at the time.
However, fortune smiled on Ludwik, and he eventually managed to join the Polish Army.
Participation in Battle and an Unusual Acquaintance
Towards the end of the Second World War, in 1944, the Battle of Monte Cassino was fought. Ludwik, then a teenager, was one of the participants. It was during the decisive Italian offensive that the young man met Wojtek the bear. Numerous legends and stories would later surround this remarkable animal, and he came to be known most often as the “soldier bear”. It must be said, this nickname is very fitting. During the Battle of Monte Cassino, the animal was a fantastic assistant to the Polish artillerymen. Wojtek took part in unloading crates of ammunition and carrying shells during the battle. For this, he earned great fame and respect among both British and Polish servicemen.
It was precisely at this time, while Wojtek was “learning the ropes” of carrying supplies for the soldiers, that Ludwik made his acquaintance.
A New Life
As often happens after a war ends, soldiers start their lives “from a blank slate”. And for some reason, fate almost always leads them to new cities and countries, where they can enjoy peace, quiet, and of course, build a new future.
Ludwik Jaszczur’s story was no exception. After the war, he did not return to his native Poland. Instead, in 1946, he found himself in Edinburgh. In time, he began working in the manufacturing of surgical instruments, and later, office equipment and typewriters.
A Fateful Meeting
Fate decreed that Edinburgh would be the place where Ludwik could start a new life after all the horrors and hardships of war.
So, in addition to work, it was in this amazing city that the man met his future wife. Ironically, it was the local Polish Club that brought them together.
Friendship with the Bear
As for Wojtek the bear, he also ended up in Edinburgh after the war. In 1947, the city’s zoo gladly gave the animal a home.
He was destined to spend the rest of his life there. The local population, meanwhile, expressed enormous respect for the bear.
The war veterans who remained in Great Britain did not forget their battlefield comrade and would visit him from time to time. Ludwik Jaszczur was no exception and would also occasionally come to “visit” Wojtek.
According to eyewitnesses, the bear was overjoyed by these visits. It should be said that he recognised his friends perfectly, and Ludwik in particular.
Wojtek’s mood would instantly improve, and he would then happily accept treats.
It must be said that, despite his advanced age, Ludwik Jaszczur tried to lead a fairly active life. The man could often be seen at various Edinburgh events dedicated to military themes.
And so, in 2015, Ludwik was personally present at the ceremony to unveil the statue of his “bear friend” in Princes Street Gardens.
However, no matter how active and life-loving a person is, their earthly journey must sooner or later come to an end.
Ludwik Jaszczur lived a vibrant and dignified life, that of a true hero. The veteran’s heart stopped beating when he was 95 years old. After his death, a great deal of material dedicated to Ludwik was published in the media. This is probably the best proof of the recognition and endless respect he commanded. After all, heroes do not die as long as the memory of them is alive. One can only hope that in the case of Ludwik Jaszczur, this phenomenon continues for as long as possible.