Anzac Bears: Educating Kids About Those Who Served

Thinking about what would make the perfect Christmas gift for a child? Have you ever considered an Anzac Bear? More than just fluffy and cute toys, these teddy bears are designed to replicate uniforms and unit paraphernalia in great detail and are commonly used as part of Australia’s centenary commemorations of the First World War. It’s the way veterans of The Great War can relay their stories and times to primary school children. Maybe kids can’t quite fully grasp the meaning behind wearing poppy flowers on Remembrance day, but they can surely relate to a fluffy bear.

The holiday season is as good as any to try and pass some military history to young generations. Especially in a time when Aussie soldiers experience cold winters far from home instead of celebrating home with their families and friends. Yes, you can go for the usual rc toys or battery ride on cars, but think about getting something that would last. As unassuming as it seems, the bear can serve as a multi-generational link for any impressionable child. Identity always starts with history.

As Real as It Gets

These commemorative teddy bears are limited edition collectible items. Their value does not stem only from the timeless story they tell, but it also comes from the extraordinary care invested in making sure badges, ID tags, gear and unique features are as close to the real thing as possible. The reviews that come from people who already bought them reinstate the notion that these bears are of excellent quality and accurately recreate uniforms and insignia. Because they aren’t your everyday toy bears, you can only find them at a well-stocked Aussie army store.

The focal point of the collection is the Galipoli campaign of 1915. What was supposed to be a short and piercing attack on the Dardanelles resulted in a prolonged stand off which established national identity in both Australia and Mustapha Kemal’s Turkey. It’s dedicated to all that served in that heavily contested ground, so far away from home.

Here are some of the most beloved bears in the collection.

Private Harvey – the Gallipoli Centenary Bear

Your typical private standing tall at 40 cm. Wears boots, slouch hat and AIF webbing. The bear can be accessorized with Great War miniature medals, ID tags, bear-sized rifle and similar additions. He also has a water bottle, bayonet and holds entrenching tool. Look for numbered certificate of authenticity as there are 10,000 models available worldwide.

Captain John Murray Bear

This mohair bear shares the story of Australia’s entry into the war. Airplanes, artillery shelling, tanks, poisonous gasses and charges upon no-man’s land were all new war realities Captain John Murray faced. Promotion trough the ranks for privates was common because of officers lost in combat. Captain Murray could certainly be one of those blokes.

He wears the standard officers’ tunic, shirt and tie, and trousers. His Captain rank is noted by three pips on his epaulettes. On his head, a standard British Service Cap or Brodie helmet during a battle. Only 5000 units of this bear are available world wide. The ultimate Wounded Digger Bear.

Corporal Cohen – the Lone Pine Bear

Another staple in the Anzac collection. He wears trousers that are cut to shorts for increased convenience in the Gallipoli summer. Besides that, the bear also includes standard dismounted troops uniform and webbing. Also, on his arms, white armbands and back patch. It’s what they used to wear to identify ‘friendly’ diggers in the fog of war. Holds the rank of Corporal and has only 10000 copies worldwide.

Sister Bernadette – Nurse Bear

Sister Bernadette O’Meara is the pride of the Australian Army Nursing Service. Clad in grey dress with white collar, white veil and scarlet cape, which means she is in her ‘working’ clothes. She also pips worn on her epaulettes, a Rising Sun badge at her throat and a badge on her right sleeve. This bear is available in 10000 such copies worldwide, so look for certificate of authenticity.

Lieutenant Thomas Hendy – The Australian Flying Corps Bear

The only bear representing the Australian Flying Corps. He is ready for take off, but keep in mind his airplane has an open cockpit. To keep warm, he wears a full length leather flying jacket and a helmet. The large external pocket on his left breast give him access to maps. Only 5000 such bears celebrate the birth of Australian military aviation.

Able Seaman Miller H.M.A.S. Australia

Dressed in Blue Serge Uniform, blue Class II cap and a jumper, able bodied seaman Andy Miller serves in the Royal Australian Navy. With stature of 40 cm and only 2500 copies, he is the typical collector bear you can only find at a good army store.

Armistice Centenary Bear

As you have probably noted, this bear is not named. Its uniform has a host of replicas to WWI medals, a remembrance poppy and armband that celebrates the Centenary of Armistice. He represents all aspects of service – each and every digger – and stands proud under the slouch hat. Available in only 10000 units worldwide.

Lieutenant Albert Murray – the Western Front Bear

This is your standard Great War officer bear. Has officer pips, boots, ‘Brodie’ helmet and an anti-gas mask carry bag. He serves on the Western Front alongside other Commonwealth soldiers. There are also 10000 units of this bear worldwide.

Having these bears accessible to everyone that would like to buy them is very important in ensuring our heritage gets passed down to the next generation. Check your army store of choice for availability though, because they are, after all, limited edition bears and some of them are close to running out of stock.