Great War Bears: The Ideal Toys for Educating Kids About Those Who Served

Looking for the perfect gift for a kid that’s equal amounts fun as it is educational? Have you considered the selection of Great War Bears? These teddy bears are more than simply fluffy and adorable toys; they are intricately made to resemble uniforms and unit memorabilia and are frequently used as part of Australia’s centenary commemorations of the First World War.

These toys are commonly used as a way for teachers to share the historical context of the Great War with elementary school students. Children may not fully understand the significance of wearing poppies on Remembrance Day, but they can definitely relate to a cuddly bear.

What better way to study Australian history than while having fun? In addition to a Great War teddy bear, you can also include a purple poppy toy, a 3D puzzle, or a jigsaw puzzle with a military theme as part of the gift. That said, if you’re looking to buy a stuffed army toy, here’s what you should know.

One-of-a-Kind Collectible Bears That Honour History

These commemorative teddy bears are limited edition and available at a select few places. Their worth derives not only from the enduring tale they convey, but also from the tremendous care taken to ensure that badges, ID tags, gear, and distinctive features are as accurate as possible.

The feedback from customers who have previously purchased them supports the idea that these bears are of outstanding quality and faithfully reproduce uniforms and insignia. They are unique army toy bears that can only be found in a well-stocked Aussie army store.

The Gallipoli campaign in 1915 serves as the collection’s primary focus. What was intended to be a quick and effective attack on the Dardanelles turned into a protracted standoff that helped Mustapha Kemal’s Turkey and Australia develop their respective national identities. The collection honours everyone who served in that hotly contested area, so far from home.

Most Popular Editions

The collection includes many types of bears, which all differ in their roles. Each bear has a special service-related tale to share which kids will love hearing about. A truly priceless keepsake to honour the Centenary. The following are the most popular editions from the Great War Bears collection.

Lieutenant Albert Murray – Western Front Bear

The first officer bear representing Australia in the Great War is Lieutenant Albert Murray, who appears on the Western Front Limited Edition Bear. He is dressed in boots and displays his officer insignia with pride. He is also outfitted with a “Brodie” helmet and a carry bag with a PH anti-gas mask in readiness for the Western Front.

There are only 10,000 of these 40cm toys globally. A unique certificate of authenticity is included when you buy this item.

Armistice Centenary Bear

The Armistice Centenary Bear honours all veterans and comes with a collection of small reproduction World War I medals, a poppy of remembrance, and an armband commemorating the anniversary of the Armistice. He has not been given a name and doesn’t sport any sort of service-related webbing or colour patch. Every digger is like him.

Each bear comes with a unique numbered certificate of authenticity and there are only 10,000 available worldwide.

Captain John Murray – Wounded Digger Bear

The narrative of Private John Murray from the original 1914 edition is continued by the stuffed bear Captain John Murray. He related the tale of Australia’s involvement in the war while still a private.

Now a captain, he can recall the soldiers who were elevated through the ranks to take the place of fallen officers. Capt. Murray is a limited edition bear available to collectors worldwide and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Private Clarence Thomas – Stretcher-Bearer Bear

With his field dressing haversack in hand, Private Clarence Thomas, the Gallipoli Stretcher-Bearer Bear, is prepared to aid the injured. The standard webbing was not worn by medics; instead, they just wore a leather belt and haversack. For the Centenary, just 2,500 Private Clarence will be made available. A numbered certificate of authenticity is included with this soldier’s hero of the trenches.

Sergeant Grey Wilson – Greatcoat Bear

The A.I.F. Greatcoat, one of the most recognisable and adaptable uniform pieces of the Great War, is worn by Sergeant Wilson. Most Australian soldiers serving overseas had never experienced snow or ground ice, and the harsh winters made the challenges men faced at Gallipoli, in the deserts, and on the Western Front even more difficult.

The Greatcoat provided crucial defence. The bulky wool khaki coat, which weighed roughly 6.5 pounds (3 kilograms), was used as a shelter, extra blanket, and outer layer. Grey is also prepared with his Brodie helmet and carry bag for his anti-gas mask. Grey comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity and is restricted to just 5,000 bears for collectors worldwide.

Sister Bernadette O’Meara – Nurse Bear

The “working dress” of the Australian Army Nursing Service is represented by Sister O’Meara’s uniform, which consists of a zephyr grey dress with a white collar, a white veil, and a scarlet cape. Her rank as a Sister is indicated by the stars, or “pips,” that she wears on her epaulettes, which are accompanied by curved bronze “AUSTRALIA” titles.

She has the Rising Sun brooch at her throat and the Australian Army Nursing Service cloth insignia on her right sleeve. In her work shoes, Sister Bernadette O’Meara stands 40 cm tall and comes with an authenticity certificate. There are about 10,000 globally.