The Polish II Corps, formed from soldiers released from Soviet gulags, undertook an extraordinary journey from the USSR through Iran, Iraq, and Palestine before fighting in Italy. Along the way, they adopted numerous animal companions beyond the famous bear Wojtek.
The soldiers kept a monkey named Kaska who rode on top of trucks during the march, a dalmatian who became a unit mascot, and various other creatures acquired during their 14,000-mile journey. These animals served as morale boosters for men who had survived Soviet prison camps, starvation, and disease. Many soldiers had lost their families and found comfort in caring for the animals.
The tradition of animal mascots in Polish military units had deep roots, but the II Corps' menagerie was exceptional in its variety and the genuine bonds formed between soldiers and animals. The animals shared the soldiers' rations, traveled with them through multiple countries, and several accompanied the units all the way to Italy for the Monte Cassino campaign.