War is, unfortunately, a constant in human history, and accounts of some battles, including the trajectories of soldiers, can move listeners. But there are some curiosities about certain enlistments that seem unreal, even if they are true.
We have selected here the names of some soldiers who entered the history of their Armed Forces, but not because they distinguished themselves on the battlefield, but because they were remarkably curious.
1. Donald Duck, the cartoon duck
Yes, the Disney character has officially been drafted into the United States Army and we can say that he is a veteran of World War II. In 1941 the character was formally integrated into the army, although he always wore a sailor’s uniform.
This was a government-sponsored anti-Nazi propaganda strategy – and it was this sponsorship that led to the character’s recruitment.
Disney wasn’t making big profits, and huge advertising budgets encouraged the company to place his character in the bloodiest conflict in history. Donald was formally discharged from military service in 1984.
2. Nancy, the six-year-old girl
In 1920, the Australian Navy didn’t think twice and integrated Nancy Bentley, just 6 years old, into its troops, but this case has nothing to do with the tragic conscription of children by the Paraguayan army during the War of Paraguay.
It turns out that the navy prohibited civilians from entering its ships. Nancy was playing on the coast with her father and was bitten by a poisonous snake. Far from a hospital and seeing the navy ship, the girl’s father put her in a boat and rowed to ask the sailors for help.
There was a way to help the girl on the ship, but in order to get on board she had to be formally conscripted. Nancy was registered as a “mascot” and survived.
3. William Windsor the goat
Here’s a strange piece of information: there are goats that are officially part of the UK Armed Forces. This dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria and references a goat who led the soldiers at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
The function of the goats evoked is to parade in official events. The goat William Windsor was supposed to fulfill his military duties in 2006, but refused to parade at the event attended by Queen Elizabeth. As punishment, his rank was demoted.
4. Wojtek the bear
Everyone knows to be careful of bears: they are gigantic and strong. Now imagine facing such an animal that is fighting in World War II? Because the Polish army had a big bear to call its own.
The thing is, the bear’s story doesn’t start out happy. His mother died and he was found by Polish soldiers who decided to take care of him. Unfortunately for the animal, the situation of the soldiers was not good, since they were prisoners of war in Iran, but luckily for everyone, after negotiations, they were freed and sent to Italy.
Living with the military caused the bear to pick up bad habits, such as drinking and smoking with the soldiers. He also marched, greeted his colleagues and even played football with the troops. His charisma was such that he was promoted from mascot to corporal. The bear spent his retirement in Scotland, where he died.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
