A wounded bear.

In March this year Australia in the Great War is set to release its first ever wounded bear and also the first to wear the A.I.F. officer’s uniform.

Captain John Murray continues the Great War commemorative bears collection and story. The original 1914 edition Private John Murray bear shared the story of Australia’s entry into the war and became the central character in the much loved Australia in the Great War diaries shared by thousands of Australians.

The Australia in the Great War bears project manager, Lindsey Davie, believes that showing Murray in officers’ uniform reflects the story of many diggers who were promoted through the ranks to replace officers lost in the fighting.

“This very special bear really tells the story of loss. His wounded arm is a poignant reminder of the perils enlisted men and officers faced in war.”

Captain Murray’s officers’ uniform replaces the 1912 designed standard dismounted troops’ khaki uniform with its loose fitting jacket, puttees and slouch hat that he wore as a private. Instead, he wears a standard officers’ tunic; shirt and tie; and trousers – most of which officers on the Western Front would have purchased from tailors in England. The three ‘pips’ on Murray’s epaulettes denote his Captain rank and he wears the standard British Service Cap.

Captain Murray, as the central character in the Great War Diaries, reflects the attitude of many thousands of Australians who enlisted in the early years of the war who saw it as the “Great Adventure”. But this was soon replaced by the realities of deadly new technologies such as aeroplanes, tanks and poisonous gases. For those who fought on the Western Front, nothing was more deadly than the relentless shells of heavy artillery and the often futile charges into no-man’s land.

For hundreds of thousands of Australian wounded, injured or seriously ill, hospitalisation was for the most simply a break from the fighting. Most would return to the front to face the perils once more.

With Captain Murray we proudly remember their service and sacrifice and the courage of those who returned to contribute to Australia’s development for years to come.

Discover the complete collection of Limited Edition Great War Bears.