On 13 August 2026, something more than a technical stage of shipbuilding took place over Gdynia.
The future ORP “Wicher” left the PGZ Naval Shipyard for the first time, beginning its journey toward launching.
On board the semi-submersible barge Boabarge 33, in the morning light over the Gulf of Gdańsk, a symbol of Poland’s new maritime strength was born.
This is not a routine launch. It is a moment in which history returns to the sea.
Because the name ORP “Wicher” carries the memory of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
It is the return of a legend.
The historic ORP “Wicher” – defender of the Polish coast
The first ORP “Wicher” was one of the most important destroyers of the pre-war Polish Navy. When Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, “Wicher” was stationed in Gdynia.
Its mission was the defence of the Polish coastline and cooperation with mine-laying units and other ships of the Navy.
On the same day, it took part in actions against German aircraft attacking Gdynia, and later sailed toward Hel in support of preparations for Operation “Rurka”, aimed at laying a defensive minefield in the Bay of Gdańsk.
3 September 1939 – the final battle
On the morning of 3 September, ORP “Wicher”, together with ORP “Gryf” and the coastal artillery battery named after Heliodor Laskowski, engaged German destroyers “Leberecht Maass” and “Wolfgang Zenker”.
The Polish ships returned fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw under a smoke screen. It was one of the most significant episodes of the Polish Navy’s fight during the September Campaign.
A few hours later, German aircraft launched a heavy air raid on Hel. ORP “Wicher” was hit by bombs and sank in the harbour, as did ORP “Gryf”.
But the crew did not stop fighting.
The sailors went ashore and joined the defence of Hel, continuing the fight until the capitulation of the fortified region on 2 October 1939.
For this reason, the historic “Wicher” became a symbol of loyalty to the flag, duty, and defence of the homeland until the very end.
“Wicher” and “Błyskawica” – two paths of one Navy
In September 1939, Polish destroyers followed different fates.
“Wicher” remained in the Baltic and fought in defence of the coast.
“Błyskawica”, together with “Grom” and “Burza”, left the Baltic under Operation “Peking” and reached the United Kingdom.
There, Polish sailors continued the fight alongside the Royal Navy, creating an important chapter of Polish-British shared history.
“Błyskawica” – the Polish flag over the Thames
ORP “Błyskawica” became one of the most important symbols of the Polish presence in the United Kingdom.
Polish sailors took part in convoy escort missions, anti-submarine warfare, and Allied operations. A particularly notable moment was the defence of Cowes on the Isle of Wight in May 1942, when the ship played a key role during a German air raid.
This history became a foundation of the lasting bond between Poland and the United Kingdom.
That is why the Days of ORP “Błyskawica” are not only about one ship, but about an entire generation of Polish sailors.
The 4th edition of the Days of ORP “Błyskawica” is coming! 🇵🇱🇬🇧
We are proud to organise the #DaysOfORPBłyskawica, an event dedicated to the history of the Polish Navy, the courage of Polish sailors, and the ties between Poland and the United Kingdom.
For the fourth time, we aim to bring together the Polish diaspora, historians, veterans, families, and friends of Poland to commemorate the story of ORP “Błyskawica” and Polish sailors who served alongside the Royal Navy.
More on “Days Of ORP Błyskawica” on the link below:
This year, we look at this history even more broadly.
Because as a new ORP “Wicher” is born in Gdynia today, we also remember its predecessor.
The ship that did not leave Poland in 1939.
The sailors who defended Hel.
The final battle of “Wicher” and “Gryf”.
And those who continued the fight from the United Kingdom.
The return of “Wicher”
Today’s ORP “Wicher” is the first of three multi-role frigates of the “Miecznik” programme.
It will later be joined by ORP “Burza” and ORP “Huragan”.
These new vessels will strengthen Poland’s security in the Baltic Sea and form the foundation of the modernisation of the Polish Navy.
After 87 years, the name “Wicher” returns to the Polish fleet.
The original “Wicher” fought in 1939.
The new “Wicher” will safeguard Poland’s security in the 21st century.
Technology has changed.
Threats have changed.
But one thing remains the same:
the white-and-red flag.
And the memory of those who served under it before us.
History. Memory. Courage. Polish-British friendship.
The launching of the new ORP “Wicher” is also a moment of remembrance.
Of all Polish sailors.
Of those who fought in the Baltic.
Of those who defended Hel.
Of those who served alongside the Royal Navy.
And of those who never saw a free Poland.
Long live the new ORP “Wicher”! ⚓️⚓️⚓️
May the white-and-red flag proudly fly over the Polish sea.
And may the memory of Polish sailors remain alive on both sides of the Baltic Sea and the English Channel.
🇵🇱🇬🇧 The 4th edition of #DaysOfORPBłyskawica is coming!
History. Memory. Polish-British friendship.
Text: Polish Sue
FOTO: KPRP, WIKIPEDIA, Polish Sue
Polish Sue 
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