International commemorations marking the 85th anniversary of the defence of Clydebank during the Second World War, in which the Polish destroyer ORP PIORUN played a significant role, will take place on 13–14 March 2026 in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Clydebank.

The events are organised by the Institute of National Remembrance in cooperation with partners in the United Kingdom, Scottish local authorities and veterans’ organisations. The UK partner coordinating the events is the Polish Sue Association.

The commemorations are held under the honorary patronage of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland and the President of the Institute of National Remembrance.

Historical Background

During the night of 13–14 March 1941, the Scottish town of Clydebank was devastated during the German air raids known as the Clydebank Blitz.

During the attack, the Polish Navy destroyer ORP Piorun, commanded by Eugeniusz Pławski, actively participated in the anti-aircraft defence of the Clyde shipyards.

Serving within the structure of the Royal Navy, Polish sailors supported the defence of the industrial infrastructure of the River Clyde, contributing to the protection of one of Britain’s key wartime shipbuilding centres. Their actions became a lasting symbol of Polish-British wartime cooperation and solidarity.

Exhibition

A central element of the programme will be the international exhibition

“Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom”, prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance.

The exhibition presents the wartime journey of the Polish Armed Forces fighting alongside Allied forces across multiple theatres of the Second World War – from the Middle East and North Africa to Italy and Western Europe.

Programme of Commemorations

13 March 2026 | 12:00 noon

Dalbeth Cemetery, Glasgow

A commemorative ceremony will take place at

Dalbeth Cemetery, where Polish soldiers and sailors who served in Scotland during the Second World War are buried.

The ceremony will include the unveiling of a restored memorial dedicated to Polish naval personnel, followed by wreath-laying and a moment of reflection.

13 March 2026 | 5:00 p.m.

Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

The international exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” will be officially opened at the Scottish Parliament.

The event is sponsored by Annie Welles MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament and member of the Cross-Party Group on Poland.

Among the distinguished guests will be a Polish Minister representing the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, as well as the President of the Institute of National Remembrance.

Representatives of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh will also attend the ceremony alongside Members of the Scottish Parliament, diplomatic representatives, NATO representatives, historians and members of the Polish community.

March 2026 – Clydebank Town Hall

The main anniversary commemorations will take place at

Clydebank Town Hall

11:45 a.m. – Official unveiling of a commemorative plaque dedicated to the crew of ORP Piorun and their role in the defence of Clydebank during the Second World War.

1:00 p.m. – Opening of the exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance.

Guests will be welcomed by Karen Murray Conaghan, Provost of Clydebank, representing the local authorities of West Dunbartonshire.

These international commemorations honour the courage of Polish sailors while highlighting the enduring historical alliance between Poland and the United Kingdom during the Second World War and the strong ties that continue to link the two nations today.

Text : POLISH SUE