Obscure WWII Facts
Little-known truths from the greatest conflict in human history
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The Battle of Los Angeles - False Alarm
On February 25, 1942, LA experienced the "Great Air Raid." 1,280 anti-aircraft shells were fired at supposed Japanese planes. 5 civilians died in car accidents during the blackout, 3 in heart attacks. No enemy planes existed - it was weather balloons and war nerves. Searchlights swept for hours. A 1979 comedy was made about it, but it was genuinely terrifying for Angelenos.
Wojtek the Bear - Official Polish Soldier
A Syrian brown bear cub was adopted by Polish II Corps soldiers in Iran. Named Wojtek (Warrior in Polish), he was officially enlisted as a private with service number 22. He carried ammunition at Monte Cassino and was seen smoking and drinking beer. After the war, he lived at Edinburgh Zoo where veterans visited him until his death in 1963.