Memorial Winnie Tilshead

"WINNIE

Winnie an American Black Bear Cub, was named after Winnipeg. She was the inspiration for the story character 'Winnie the Pooh'. Winnie lived at west Down South Camp Tilshead Sept-Dec 1914. She was the mascot of the Canadian Army Veterinary Corps"

Plaque is mounted on the outside of Tilshead Village hall.

Lt Harry Colebourne purchased Winnie from a trapper during a rail stopover at White River Ontario 1914 whilst in transit to the military training camp at Valcartier, Quebec. In early October Colebourne embarked S.S. Manitou with Winnie for England. After seven weeks of training on Salisbury Plain the veterinary officer received the call to the western Front.
deciding that the western front was no place for a bear, Colebourne brought Winnie to London Zoo on December 9th 1914. Colebourne vowed to take Winnie back to Canada but having survived the war he realised that Winnie now belonged to London

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward