To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defence of Cowes and East Cowes by the Polish destroyer, ORP Błyskawica, a calendar of special events will be taking place from 4th – 8th May in the two towns on the Isle of Wight.
This historic event is celebrated annually by the Friends of the ORP Błyskawica who hold a ceremony on Cowes Parade to reflect on the events of the evening of the 4th – 5th May 1942 during the Second World War Blitz.
Luftwaffe bombers attacked Medina ports
On this night, two waves of Luftwaffe bombers attacked the strategic ports on the river Medina which were a vital manufacturing area for the Second World War effort, causing significant and tragic losses.
ORP Błyskawica was in port for re-armament on this fateful evening, enabling her to defend Cowes throughout the night of the raid.
ORP Błyskawica
ORP Błyskawica, along with her sister ship ORP Grom, were built in the local shipyards of J Samuel White and were the world’s fastest destroyers when launched in 1936; Błyskawica achieving 41.5 knots at her peak.
Now, she lies in the port of Gdynia, Poland, where she is the pride of Poland’s maritime history and an immaculately preserved floating museum, having received over 7 million visitors.
Friends of the ORP Błyskawica Society
The Friends of the ORP Błyskawica Society, a Cowes based organisation, has been working hard to make the 80th anniversary a moment to remember. The five-day long celebration will take place in the two towns, as an opportunity for people to learn about the events that took place on this night in history and to pay their respects.
A series of special events include exhibitions, guided walks, a parade, musical performances and the arrival of Polish Naval vessel, ORP Wodnik, greeted by a five-gun salute. A commemorative plaque will also be unveiled in Kings Square.
Plaque funded by Red Funnel
Supporters of this hugely significant moment in Isle of Wight history, Red Funnel has funded the plaque, ensuring the legacy lives on. CEO Fran Collins and CFO Graham Barnetson are honoured to also be attending many of the commemorative events.
With the Island set to welcome visitors from across the world, Red Funnel has provided transport for many of those taking part in the events. This includes Chris Riches, the great grandson of Captain Wojciech Francki, who is travelling from Australia to attend, and will be joined by family members.
Barnetson: Proud to support the events of the anniversary
Graham Barnetson, Chief Financial Officer at Red Funnel, and Isle of Wight resident, connected with Chris and has been in touch with the family, introducing them to members of Cowes Town Council. Graham commented,
“It is important that we take the time to reflect on these significant and pivotal events in history and commemorate the valiant efforts of those who protected the Isle of Wight. We are honoured to be supporting the Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society to commemorate and celebrate this incredibly important event.
“Cowes and East Cowes are very special to us at Red Funnel and our customers, both on the Isle of Wight and the mainland, and we believe it’s important that everyone understands the significance of what happened here 80 years ago. We are proud to support the events of the anniversary, paying homage to the brave women and men involved, to make sure their stories, and this piece of our shared history, are never forgotten.”
Summary of events
Saturday 7th May (10:00 – 18:00)
- Exhibition on ORP Blyskawica:Organised by East Cowes Heritage Centre – Location: East Cowes Town Hall
Thursday 5th May (08:00–20:00)
- 08:00 – 10:00: Arrival of Polish Naval Vessel ORP Wodnik at Cowes. The Royal Yacht Squadron will greet the Polish warship with a 5-gun salute.
- 14:00: Plaque unveiling in Kings Square (adjacent to Waitrose), East Cowes
- 14:30: Guided blitz walk. From Kings Square to Kingston Cemetery
- 16:00: Memorial service at Kingston Cemetery
- 18:00 – 19:00: Welcome reception by Brigadier Maurice Sheen CBE QVRM TD DL, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight. By invitation.
- 19.30: Gala Piano Recital at the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) by Eva Maria Doroszkowska, granddaughter of Captain Francki, Commander of the ORP Blyskawica on the night of the blitz on Cowes on 4th May 1942. Eva will be performing to commemorate the defence of Cowes & East Cowes. After the piano recital the RYS will fire a 5 gun salutes and the Polish ship will fire white flares to commemorate the anniversary. On-line booking for the recital + optional supper after open at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/islandconcerts
Friday 6th May (19:30)
- 19:30: Concert – Never Forgotten Polish and English Music – Katy Carr and Medina Marching Band in support of the Ukraine Refugees in Poland
- Award winning singer and song writer Katy Carr will perform Polish and English music. A musician, aviator and multi-instrumentalist (piano, ukulele, banjolele and vintage keyboardist), she has performed her music internationally with live concerts and tours, workshops through the UK and the Continent. The Medina Marching Band needs no introduction in East Cowes, where they were originally formed. They will be performing to cover many genres of music from military marches, wind band music to stage show and pop tunes.
- On-line booking for the concert open at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/islandconcerts
Saturday 7th May (10:00)
- 10:00 – 18:00: Exhibition on the Blitz, school art and stalls. Refreshments available. Location: East Cowes Town Hall
- 10:00 – 18:00: Exhibition on the Blitz
- Location: Northwood Cemetery, Cowes
- 13:00 – 16:00: Performances by local groups: Little Karpaty & Karolinka Dancers. Polish food market
- Location: Kings Square (adjacent to Waitrose), East Cowes
- 14.30pm: Cowes Blitz Walk.
- Location: From the war memorial in Northwood Park to Northwood Cemetery
- 16:00: Northwood Cemetery, Cowes Rededication ceremony of the refurbished communal war grave.
- 19:00 – 23:00: 1940s Dance at East Cowes Town Hall. Period dress encouraged. Tickets £5 available from The Heritage Centre, Flix Hairdressers East Cowes or on the door.
Sunday 8th May (12:00)
- 12:00: Short remembrance ceremony,Cowes Parade Commemoration
- Location: Francki Place, Cowes.
- 13:30: 80th Anniversary Ceremony of the defence of Cowes and East Cowes. Inauguration of the new Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Cowes in the presence of Poland’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Royal British Legion Band will play in support at the Cowes Parade.
To find out more, please visit: www.blyskawica-cowes.org.uk
The Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society, in organising this commemoration, much appreciates the support of the East and West Cowes Town Councils, the Daisy Rich Trust, Red Funnel, G.J and H.K Banks, Island Concerts and Rotary.
News shared by Sophie on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
Image: © Polish warship ORP Wodnik arrives in the Solent this morning on her way to Cowes to be part of the 80th anniversary of the defence of Cowes in 1942 by Ben Rue
