533. Wojtek: The Bear Who Beat the Nazis

533. Wojtek: The Bear Who Beat the Nazis

The story of Wojtek - the bear who took on the Nazis - amidst the death and devastation of the Second World War, and more specifically Poland's heroic resistance, is a flicker of redemption amidst an otherwise deeply depressing period of history. His is a life that exemplifies not only Poland’s struggle in microcosm, but also the global nature of the war overall. Discovered by a young boy as a tiny cub, his mother dead, he was sold to Polish officers travelling to Palestine in the hills outside Tehran. The soldiers nursed and fed the young bear with milk from a vodka bottle, treating him like one of their own. Later, he was even purported to keep them warm at night, drink beer, delight in wrestling and showers, and both march and salute. When the Polish forces were finally deployed to Europe, ‘Wojtek’ as he had been named, went with them; a mascot and morale booster to the men. There he was given military rank, and actively participated in the Italian campaign, carrying ammunition and artillery crates. But with death and destruction on all sides, what would be his fate? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Wojtek, one of history’s most extraordinary animals, and his life in the army - an emblem of hope and resilience in the face of the horrors of the Second World War. _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Editor: Jack Meek Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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663. Britain in the 70s: The Brexit That Never Was (Part 2)

663. Britain in the 70s: The Brexit That Never Was (Part 2)

In the Spring of 1975, why was the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, so embattled? Why was the left so divided during this period? And, was Britain’s relationship with Europe already fracturing…? Join...

22 Apr 1h 17min

662. Britain in the 70s: The Rise of Thatcher (Part 1)

662. Britain in the 70s: The Rise of Thatcher (Part 1)

How did Margaret Thatcher rise to become leader of the Conservative Party in Britain? Why were British politics so tumultuous in the 1970s? And, who was Thatcher up against? Join Dominic and Tom as...

19 Apr 1h 15min

661. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shōgun Triumphant (Part 4)

661. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shōgun Triumphant (Part 4)

Who was the greatest female Samurai warrior of all time? What would unfold in the next phase of the terrible civil war between the Minamoto and the Taira dynasties? And, how did the Samurai finally be...

15 Apr 1h 4min

660. Dawn of the Samurai: Japan’s Greatest Warrior  (Part 3)

660. Dawn of the Samurai: Japan’s Greatest Warrior (Part 3)

Who was Yoshitsune, one of the greatest generals in all Japanese history? What part did he play in the ferocious Samurai civil war between the Minamoto clan and the Taira? And, who would win the most ...

12 Apr 1h 1min

659. Dawn of the Samurai: Bloodbath at the Bridge (Part 2)

659. Dawn of the Samurai: Bloodbath at the Bridge (Part 2)

Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter,...

8 Apr 1h 7min

Music: The Father of the Blues, Golden Age of Jazz, and David Bowie | History in Photos

Music: The Father of the Blues, Golden Age of Jazz, and David Bowie | History in Photos

**Unlock the full episode and the complete History in Photos mini series by joining The Rest Is History Club at therestishistory.com** Why are there only three confirmed photographs of Blues-legend...

7 Apr 8min

658. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shadow of the Sword (Part 1)

658. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shadow of the Sword (Part 1)

Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter,...

5 Apr 1h 3min

657. The Ku Klux Klan: American Fascists (Part 4)

657. The Ku Klux Klan: American Fascists (Part 4)

After resurrecting in 1915, how did the Ku Klux Klan make its move on the next major American election? What was the role of women in the Klan? And, would this violent organisation finally meet its re...

1 Apr 1h 11min

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