2 May 2025, The Battle of Britain Bunker, London

Organised by the Polish Sue Association, under the honorary patronage of Dr. Karol Nawrocki, President of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), this year’s “Days of ORP Błyskawica” was a moving and significant commemoration of Polish contributions to the Allied war effort during WWII.

The highlight of the event was the official opening of the exhibition:“Trail of Hope. Odyssey of Freedom”, curated by IPN. This powerful exhibition was presented by Dr. Agnieszka Jędrzak, Director of International Cooperation at IPN.

It commemorates the incredible journey of Polish forces and civilians during WWII, reflecting courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom.

This year’s edition marked two important anniversaries: the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, celebrating the valiant service of the Polish Air Force and the 83rd Anniversary of the Cowes Blitz, honouring the heroic defence of the Isle of Wight town by the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica in 1942.

Nearly 150 guests attended the event, including special guests who included: Cllr. Colleen Sullivan Mayor of Hillingdon, Prof. Karol Polejowski – the Vice President of the Institute of National Remembrance, Dr. Agnieszka Jędrzak – Director for International cooperation and Dr. Mateusz Marek – International Section of IPN.

Cllr. Munir Ahmed, Past Mayor of Ealing, Cllr. Tariq Mahmood, were representing the Ealing Council and Commander Andrzej Klasa – represented NATO MARCOM Command.

Guests from Poland included Wojciech WCISEŁ, the director of the Centre for Polonia Studies of Catholic University of Lublin and Paweł Gębalski, President of the International Volunteer Fire Department Specialist Rescue Group Firefighters Together Against Leukemia.

Present at the Days of ORP Błyskawica 3. edition, were also the descendants of wartime sailors and airmen, including John Lassa from Scottland – whose father was a Polish Navy officer during the war, Elżbieta Gajda and Marek Gozdalik – whose uncle was a flying officer in 302 Polish Airforce Squadron, Stanisław Feruś whose uncle was serving at ORP Blyskawica during the war and Marek Goliński – whose grandfather and uncle were in the Polish Airforce – 302 and 300 bomber squadrons and took part in the Battle of Britain.

Guests at the 3 edition of The ORP BŁYSKAWICA DAYS also included representatives from educational and Polish diaspora institutions, such as Polish Macierz Szkolna represented by Joanna Mechelewska, The Polish Social and Cultural Association represented by Marcin Kalinowski and numerous directors of Polish Schools – including Sebastian Wopiński of the Polish “303 Squadron” School in Merton as well as families and children from various Polish Saturday Schools across the UK.

Young generation of Poles in Britain took part in Art Competition: “ORP Błyskawica – Hero of the Sea”, introduced by Polish Sue Association last March. As a result of the competition over 155 artworks were submitted from Polish Saturday Schools across England, Scotland, and Wales – from Aberdeen to Isle of Wight.

As many as eight educational workshops were held since March by Polish Sue Association with the young generation of Poles in Britain, who could learn about the war story of ORP Błyskawica.

The top thirty art works were shortlisted and received diplomas and recognitions.

The top ten winners received special awards. The winners were:

• Iga Siedlecki
• Anthony Szura
• Daniel Wasowicz
• Jakub Gebalski
• Tomasz Litwinski
• Dorian Grzebuta
• Hanna Hornowska
• Olaf Mastowski
• Zofia Gebalska
• Maria Grzyb

The awards included educational games and “Wojtek” – the soldier bear – most loved educational toy by the Institute of National Remembrance – the institute which also specialises in historical education, and other gifts sponsored by partners of Polish Sue – most notable a voucher for sightseeing of ORP Błyskawica signed by The Commander of the Ship Lieutenant Paweł Ogórek and sponsored by the Naval Museum in Gdynia as well as books about Monkey Betty from Błyskawica.

There were also books about Betty – the Sailor – offered by Wojciech Filaber as well as gadgets from Polish Catholic University, offered by Wojciech WCISEŁ, the director of the Centre for Polonia Studies. The badges of ORP Błyskawica and an educational game were also offered by “Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Okrętu – Muzeum Błyskawica” from Gdynia. Thank you for the gifts !
A short film featuring selected works was presented during the event.

Here is a link to the film:

As part of the event there was also film screening of 3 historical films:“Błyskawica – Faithful Ship” – production of The Naval Museum of Gdynia and TVP3, “The First One Cannot Be Forgotten – Pilot Władysław Gnyś” – production of the Polish Airforce Museum of Dęblin and “Cowes 1942” – production of Stanisław Feruś from Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Okrętu Muzeum Błyskawica.

Iwona Golińska, President and Founder of Polish Sue, read occasional letters sent to Polish Sue to mark 3. Edition of the “Days of ORP Błyskawica”.

Most notable was the letter directed to Polish Sue and participants of the ORP BŁYSKAWICA DAYS from the Commander of the ORP Błyskawica – Commander Lieutenant Paweł Ogórek.

“I am extremely pleased with the initiative taken by Mrs. Iwona Golinska, president of Polish Sue, to commemorate the war generation of Polish sailors, their effort and sacrifice in the fight for the highest values for the democratic world.

The memory of the heroic fight of the crew of ORP “Błyskawica” and their brothers in sailor uniforms – the crews of ships of the Polish Navy, is worth every action reminding their attitude to the next – generations not only of our compatriots but also citizens of the countries for whose freedom they fought.

On behalf of myself and my crew, I would like to thank you for organizing the ORP “Błyskawica” Days and for remembering Polish sailors and their service. It is thanks to such initiatives, among others, that the history of ORP “Błyskawica” and the ships of the Polish Navy is still alive. Let us also remember that ORP “Błyskawica”, despite the passage of years, continues to serve our Homeland and the glory of the War Banner”.

Commander (ORP “Błyskawica” Lt. Cdr Paweł Ogórek

Polish Sue also were honoured to also receive letters from our partners – including letter from Tomasz Miegoń – director of Navy Museum in Gdynia:

“For many years, the Navy Museum in Gdynia has been cooperating with the Polish Sue Association, implementing joint initiatives for historical education and popularising the contribution of the Polish Navy to the fight against the German war machine during World War II. The cooperation to date has resulted in numerous projects that have been successfully implemented.

Joint activities with the Polish Sue and the Institute of National Remembrance are part of the broader context of commemorating the Polish military effort undertaken in close cooperation with the Allied countries. This memory includes not only the

Navy War, but also other units of the Polish Armed Forces. I refer with great appreciation to the involvement of Polish organizations in Great Britain, including the Polish Sue Association and its President, Mrs. Iwona Golinska, in activities aimed at cultivating historical memory.

I wish you fruitful discussions and further successes in promoting knowledge about the history of the Polish Armed Forces fighting alongside Great Britain during World War II.

With respect,

Tomasz Miegoń

Director of the Navy Museum”

The final letter came from The Polish Air Force Museum in Dęblin signed by the Museum Director – Monika Żmuda.

We published the letter below:

During the event we enjoyed enchanting speech by Cllr. Colleen Sullivan Mayor of Hillingdon directed to all the attendees of „Days of ORP BŁYSKAWICA”.

„We pay special tribute to the Polish forces, whose service alongside their British allies exemplified resilience, bravery, and dedication. Here in Hillingdon, we are reminded of this legacy every day by RAF Northolt, the wartime home of the famous No. 303 and 302 Polish Squadrons. Their remarkable courage during the Battle of Britain was vital in defending our skies during one of the nation’s darkest hours.

But Polish heroism was not confined to the air. At sea, the Polish Navy stood resolutely alongside the Royal Navy. Among the most distinguished of these was the destroyer ORP Błyskawica—one of the fastest of her time. In 1942, when Cowes and East Cowes on the Isle of Wight came under heavy Luftwaffe attack, it was Błyskawica’s crew who mounted a swift and selfless defence. Their actions not only saved lives, but also protected vital shipbuilding facilities—actions for which we remain forever grateful.

As we reflect on these shared sacrifices, let us honour the enduring bonds between our nations, forged in the crucible of war and sustained by mutual respect and remembrance.

We can never fully repay the debt we owe – but we can remember. And we must.”

– Cllr. Colleen Sullivan Mayor of Hillingdon

An educational and brilliant speech was offered by the Vice – President of Institute of National Remembrance – Prof. Karol Polejowski.

In his speech, Prof. Karol Polejowski provided valuable historical insight into the Błyskawica’s legacy and Polish-British wartime cooperation.

During World War II, approximately 315,000 Poles were deported to the USSR in four major waves. By 25 August 1942, 116,543 individuals, including 78,631 soldiers and 37,912 civilians, were evacuated with General Anders’ Army. By May 1945, the Polish Armed Forces had grown significantly, comprising 3,840 naval personnel, 19,400 air force members, and 170,000 soldiers in the army, totaling over 193,000 troops.

The Institute of National Remembrance developed the project “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” so that the memory of the soldiers of Anders’ Army and of their contribution to the victory over Germany were not forgotten. In this way, we want to honour the military effort of the Polish Armed Forces and the fate of civilians evacuated from the USSR with General Anders’ Army in 1942. This project is intended to let all the people deported to the camps in Siberia and Russia hinterland speak. It is an opportunity to recall the places of remembrance scattered throughout the world, from Asia via the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, to both the Americas.

The event concluded with a traditional performance by the folk group “Żywiec” and a wine reception, providing a fitting end to a day filled with remembrance, education, and celebration.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Institute of National Remembrance, all our partners, contributors, and guests as well as the host of the event – The Battle of Britain Bunker and its curators: Charlotte Dennehy and Phoebe Style, who made the Days of ORP Błyskawica 2025 a meaningful success.

Text: Iwona Golinska, Polish Sue

Photos: Mateusz Niegowski, IPN