During the First World War, Canadians soldiers were stationed
at Headley, Hampshire before they embarked for France.
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| Harry Colebourn |
One those soldiers, was Harry Colebourn, who was ranked as a
Lieutenant and served with The Fort Garry Horse, a Canadian cavalry regiment, on
the 24
th August 1914, en-route to Valcartier, Colburn reported to
The Canadian army Veterinary Corps, where he purchased a bear cub for $20 at
train stop at White River, Ontario.
The cub’s
mother had been killed in the spring of 1914, and the cub became socialised to
humans.
Colebourn, named the bear “
Winnipeg”,
“
Winnie” for short, after Winnipeg.
Colebourn was stationed in Headley, and the bear accompanied
the Canadians to the UK. The cub soon
became a mascot for the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade Headquarters.
Before the Canadians left for France, Winnie was left and
cared for at London Zoo.
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| Winnie and Colebourn |
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| Christopher Robin |
Whilst at London Zoo, Winnie became very popular for
children.
One child that was allowed to
feed Winnie was Christopher Robin, son of A. A. Milne.
Winnie became the inspiration for Milne, for his books “Winnie
the Pooh”
After the war, Colebourn, decided that Winnie would stay at
London Zoo, rather than been sent to Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg.
It was at London Zoo, where Winnie died, aged 20 years
old.
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WInnie the Pooh
illustrated by E. H. Shepard |
Colebourn, who had before the war, attended the Ontario
Veterinary College, and received a degree in veterinary surgery.
After the war did post-graduate work at the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon at London, but 1920 he returned back to
Canada, establishing a private practise.
Colebourn died September 1947.
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