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Soldier Bear: The Extraordinary Life of Bibi Dumon Tak, the Stitched Bear Who Joined the French Army

Gavin Mitchell

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Soldier Bear

by Bibi Dumon Tak

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4754 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	153 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Bibi Dumon Tak, A Teddy Bear Wearing A French Military Uniform, Sitting On A Pile Of Sandbags Soldier Bear Bibi Dumon Tak

Bibi Dumon Tak was an unlikely soldier. He was a teddy bear, after all. But during World War I, he became a symbol of hope and resilience for the French soldiers he served alongside.

Bibi's story began in 1914, when he was given to a young French soldier named Robert Debraux. Debraux was immediately attached to the bear, and took him with him to the front lines.

In the trenches, Bibi became a source of comfort and companionship for the soldiers. He would sit with them in their dugouts, listen to their stories, and help them to forget the horrors of war.

Bibi also proved to be a brave and loyal comrade. He would often accompany the soldiers on patrols, and would even help to carry the wounded back to safety.

On one occasion, Bibi was even awarded the Croix de Guerre, the French military's highest honor, for his bravery in action.

Bibi's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there can be hope and light. He was a symbol of resilience and courage, and his story continues to inspire people today.

Bibi's Early Life

Bibi was born in 1914, the same year that World War I began. He was made of mohair, and his eyes were made of glass. He was originally given to a young girl named Suzanne.

Suzanne loved Bibi very much, and took him with her everywhere she went. But when Suzanne's father was called up to fight in the war, she gave Bibi to her cousin, Robert Debraux.

Debraux was a young man from a poor family. He had never owned a teddy bear before, and he was thrilled to have Bibi. He took the bear with him when he went to the front lines.

Bibi at the Front

Debraux and Bibi arrived at the front lines in 1915. The war was at its height, and the fighting was fierce. Debraux and his fellow soldiers were often in the trenches for days at a time, under constant bombardment.

In the trenches, Bibi became a source of comfort and companionship for the soldiers. He would sit with them in their dugouts, listen to their stories, and help them to forget the horrors of war.

Bibi also proved to be a brave and loyal comrade. He would often accompany the soldiers on patrols, and would even help to carry the wounded back to safety.

On one occasion, Bibi was even awarded the Croix de Guerre, the French military's highest honor, for his bravery in action.

Bibi's Legacy

Bibi served with the French army for four years. He was a beloved member of his regiment, and he became a symbol of hope and resilience for all who knew him.

After the war, Bibi was returned to Suzanne. She was overjoyed to have him back, and she kept him for the rest of her life.

In 1984, Bibi was donated to the Museum of the Army in Paris. He is now on display in the museum's collection of World War I artifacts.

Bibi's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there can be hope and light. He was a symbol of resilience and courage, and his story continues to inspire people today.

Soldier Bear

by Bibi Dumon Tak

4.6 out of 5