On 13–14 March 2026, a series of commemorative events took place across Scotland to honour Polish sailors who fought during the Second World War and the 85th anniversary of the defence of Clydebank.

The events were organised by the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) in cooperation with local authorities and partners in the United Kingdom. The Polish Sue Association acted as a key partner in Scotland, supporting the preparation and delivery of the commemorations in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Clydebank.

Among the distinguished guests was the NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) representation, led by Commander Andrzej Klasa.

13 March – Dalbeth Cemetery, Glasgow

Unveiling of the Monument to the Polish Navy

The commemorations began on 13 March at 12:00 pm at Dalbeth Cemetery in Glasgow, where a restored monument dedicated to sailors of the Polish Navy and the Polish Merchant Fleet who fought for Poland’s freedom during the Second World War was unveiled.

The ceremony was attended by descendants of Polish veterans, members of the Polish community and representatives of the Institute of National Remembrance, including Deputy President of the IPN Dr. Karol Polejowski.

The monument honours Polish sailors who served alongside the Allies and, after the war, many of whom made Scotland their home.

Among those commemorated is Petty Officer Adam Wiśniewski, a sailor from the destroyer ORP Piorun, which took part in the pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941.

The memorial was unveiled together with John Lassa, son of Polish naval hero Bolesław Lassa, and was blessed by Fr. Marian Łękawa, chaplain of the Polish community in Glasgow.

Participants laid flowers and lit candles to honour the sailors who fought for freedom.

13 March – Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Opening of the Exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom”

Later that day, at 5:30 pm at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Institute of National Remembrance exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” was officially opened.

The exhibition tells the story of the dramatic journey of Polish soldiers and civilians who, after leaving Soviet captivity with General Władysław Anders’ Army, travelled thousands of kilometres through Asia and the Middle East to continue the fight for Europe’s freedom.

At the beginning of the event, Agnieszka Jędrzak, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, read a letter from the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, who highlighted the centuries-long ties between Poland and Scotland and the important role Scotland played in the lives of Poles during the Second World War.

The event was attended by:

MSP Annie Wells Deputy Lord Provost of Edinburgh Lezley Marion Cameron Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh Dr. Mirosław Sycz representatives of diplomatic circles, historians, and members of both the Polish and Scottish communities.

14 March – Clydebank

85th Anniversary of the Defence of the City by ORP Piorun

The commemorations continued on 14 March in Clydebank, marking the 85th anniversary of the German Luftwaffe air raid on the night of 13–14 March 1941.

Earlier in the day, Provost Karen Murray Conaghan was joined by West Dunbartonshire Council Chief Executive Peter Hessett, elected members of the council, Lord Lieutenant Jill Young, as well as representatives from the Institute of National Remembrance and the Polish Sue Association, to remember those who lost their lives and those whose lives were forever changed by the devastating attack.

The group paid their respects at a memorial service at Old Dalnottar Cemetery, where wreaths were laid at the communal grave of Clydebank Blitz victims.

Following the ceremony, a new plaque honouring the crew of the Polish destroyer ORP Piorun was unveiled. The plaque was installed in partnership with IPN and the Polish Sue Association, highlighting the courage and contribution of Polish sailors during the Clydebank Blitz.

During the ceremony, Iwona Golińska, President of the Polish Sue Association, read a letter addressed to the participants by Rear Admiral Andrzej Ogrodnik, Commander of the 3rd Flotilla of the Polish Navy.

“Such commemorations are extremely important for all of us, both in Poland and abroad. Many of us here have families connected with the Polish Armed Forces, and we truly appreciate that the Polish state — led by the Institute of National Remembrance and Minister Agnieszka Jędrzak — has chosen to honour these events from 85 years ago. The younger generation must be proud of Poland’s military achievements.”

— Iwona Golińska, President of Polish Sue

The delegation also laid wreaths at the Polish Monument on Solidarity Plaza in Clydebank.

Provost Karen Murray Conaghan emphasised the importance of remembrance:

“Eighty-five years on, we come together as a community to honour the people of Clydebank who lived through the devastation of the Blitz and to remember those who were lost during those terrible nights in March 1941.

Their courage, resilience and unshakeable spirit continue to shape the identity of Clydebank today. By gathering together to remember them, we pay tribute not only to the past but also to the strength and solidarity that define our town.

By doing this, we ensure that their stories are never forgotten and that future generations understand the sacrifices that helped build the community spirit we are so well known for.”

Speaking about the Polish destroyer ORP Piorun, she added:

“I am delighted to have supported IPN and Polish Sue in installing a further plaque honouring the crew of the Polish warship Piorun. The bravery of the sailors from that ship must be commended, as their actions helped prevent the total obliteration of Clydebank.”

The commemorations concluded with the official opening of the exhibition “Trails of Hope: An Odyssey of Freedom” at Clydebank Town Hall, where the exhibition will be open to the public from 14 March until 4 April 2026.

Preserving a Shared History

For the Polish Sue Association, participation in these events forms part of its long-standing mission to preserve the memory of Polish sailors and soldiers connected with Scotland, including the legacy of ships such as ORP Piorun and ORP Błyskawica.

The commemorations in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Clydebank served as a powerful reminder of the shared history of Poland and Scotland and the courage of Polish sailors who fought for the freedom of Europe.

Text: Polish Sue

Pictures: Polish Sue