One year ago, Polish Sue President Iwona Golińska was honoured with a special Diploma of Recognition and a commemorative medal by Mrs Małgorzata Łubkowska, President of the Society of Friends of the ORP “Błyskawica” Museum Ship in Gdynia.
The distinction recognised Iwona Golińska’s longstanding work in promoting and preserving the history and heritage of ORP “Błyskawica” in the United Kingdom.
The recognition is particularly meaningful this year, as the Society of Friends of the ORP “Błyskawica” Museum Ship celebrates its 40th anniversary, having been established in 1985.
Speaking about the honour, Iwona Golińska said:
“I am extremely grateful for this recognition of my work on behalf of the Society of Friends of the ORP ‘Błyskawica’. It is a great honour to be able to contribute to preserving and promoting the memory of this remarkable Polish warship in the United Kingdom – both among the Polish community and the wider British public.”
Keeping the legacy of ORP “Błyskawica” alive in Britain
ORP “Błyskawica” holds a unique place in Polish naval history and in the shared history of Poland and the United Kingdom. As one of the most recognisable symbols of the Polish Navy’s wartime service, her story continues to inspire successive generations.
Through its historical and educational activities, Polish Sue has made the promotion of the legacy of ORP “Błyskawica” an important part of its work in Britain.
This commitment has already resulted in three editions of the “ORP Błyskawica Days”, an initiative bringing together educational programmes, lectures, presentations, historical films and commemorative activities dedicated to the ship and the people connected with her history.
The events have provided an opportunity to introduce the story of ORP “Błyskawica” not only to the Polish community in Britain, but also to the wider British public, highlighting the contribution of the Polish Navy and Polish servicemen to the defence of Britain during the Second World War.
For Polish Sue, preserving this heritage is not simply about remembering the past. It is about ensuring that the history of ORP “Błyskawica” remains known and understood by future generations.
This Saturday: 90th Anniversary of the Naming of ORP “Błyskawica”
This Saturday, 10 October 2026, The Institute of National Remembrance and Polish Sue will host a special edition of the “ORP Błyskawica Days”, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the naming of ORP “Błyskawica” and accompanying the IPN’s exhibition: Trial of Hope/ Odyssey of Freedom”.
The commemorative event will take place at the Household Cavalry Museum in London, bringing together representatives of Polish and British institutions, veterans, families, members of the Polish community and guests united by a commitment to preserving the memory of this exceptional ship and her crew.
The 90th anniversary provides a special opportunity to reflect on the history of ORP “Błyskawica”, her wartime service alongside the Royal Navy, and the enduring place she occupies in the history and memory of both Poland and Britain.
Here you can find more information on the event:
This year’s celebration is particularly significant for Polish Sue, which is also marking 10 years since the establishment of the Association.
The event continues our mission of bringing Polish history to new audiences and ensuring that the extraordinary story of ORP “Błyskawica” remains alive in Britain.
We are proud to continue this work and to honour the ship, her crew and all those whose service contributed to the shared history of Poland and the United Kingdom.
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Polish Sue – preserving Polish heritage, connecting Poland and Britain.
Text: POLISH SUE
Photo: POLISH SUE
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