ORP Błyskawica took part in most of the important naval and amphibious operations in Europe during WWII. She operated in the Baltic, North and Mediterranean Seas,
around Great Britain, the Atlantic and in Arctic waters. She covered 148,356 miles, guarded 83 convoys and performed 108 operational patrols.
She was credited with sinking two warships, damaging three submarines and shooting down four warplanes (plus three unconfirmed incidents).
Although she was badly damaged three times in operational action, her crew were relatively lucky, with a total of five killed and 48 wounded during six years of operations.
Here are ORP Błyskawica's major operations, all under the command of the Royal Navy:
Preparing For War
In the years leading up to WWII, Poland was only building small naval ships, such as minesweepers,
so the government had been buying destroyers from France, plus submarines from there and Holland.
They also placed an order in 1935 for two powerful destroyers to be built by British shipbuilder
J. Samuel White in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. ORP Błyskawica and ORP Grom were launched in
October, 1937 and commissioned in November, 1938, before sailing to Gdynia as the newest
Polish Navy vessels.
With the threat of war looming over Europe, many international treaties were made, including one
between the Polish and British Navies, known as the "Peking Plan". It was intended to preserve as
many assets as feasible and bolster British attempts to stave off Germany if there were to be an overwhelming
invasion of Poland followed by a thrust West, towards Britain. Just two days before Germany
invaded Poland, the Błyskawica, Burza and Grom set sail for Britain to avoid destruction or being
commandeered by the Germans.
Timeline
August 29, 1939: The ships' Commanders received signals telling them
to execute the Peking Plan at 12:55pm, so they set sail for Scotland at 14:25 (2:45pm).
August 30, 1939: They traversed the Baltic Sea without problems and entered Øresund ("The Sound")
which marks the border between Denmark and Sweden, just after midnight. They sighted the
German light cruiser Königsberg and a destroyer without incident before passing through
the Kattegat and Skagerrak.
August 31, 1939: German reconnaissance
planes spotted them, but they changed course towards
Norway to shake them off, then resumed their course to the UK.
September 1, 1939: They entered the North Sea
and at 09:25am learned that Poland had been invaded by Germany. At 12:58pm, after meeting
the Royal Navy destroyers Wanderer and Wallace, they received a British liaison officer before berthing
in Leith, the port for Edinburgh, Scotland, at 17:37 (5:37pm).
ORP Grom and ORP Burza viewed from ORP Błyskawica [Click Photo To Enlarge [Credits: Unknown. Photo published in book Jerzy Pertek: "Wielkie dni małej floty"]
Admiral Józef Unrug (right) signed the order for the launch of the Peking Plan on 26 August 1939, a day after the signing of the Polish-British Common Defence Pact Click Photo To Enlarge [Credits: tvn24.pl]
Perspective
Successfully executing the Peking Plan was fortuitous. German forces sunk or captured all of the Polish
surface ships in the Baltic Sea by September 3, the third day of the war. Although ORP Grom
was lost eight months later, both the Błyskawica and Burza fought with the Royal Navy throughout
the war before returning home to Poland.
NORWEGIAN CAMPAIGN
Surprise Attacks
After Germany launched a surprise attack on Norway, the British, accompanied by Polish refugees,
and French mounted an attack to try to prevent them from controlling the North East Atlantic and
the key iron ore port of Narvik. Although the Allies' surprise first attack on Narvik was partially successful,
sinking two German destroyers and some supply ships, the British also lost two destroyers in the
First Naval Battle of Narvik.
They were more successful in a second battle and mounted a land campaign that successfully
recaptured Narvik. It was a short term success, however, as the forces were soon ordered to evacuate
for tactical reasons, mainly because Germany had invaded France and the Low Countries, so
Britain and France needed every available soldier, aircraft and ship to defend the Western
Front and evacuate Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo).
Timeline
April 9, 1940: As part of Operation Weserübung,
Germany launched a surprise invasion of Norway. German forces, transported by ten destroyers, entered
the Ofotfjord and landed troops at Narvik. The Norwegian coastal defense ships Eidsvold and Norge
attempted to resist but were swiftly sunk, leading to the German occupation of Narvik.
April 10, 1940: A British flotilla of five
destroyers, under Commodore Bernard Warburton-Lee, launched the First Battle of Narvik - a surprise
attack on the German naval forces there. The British sank two German destroyers, damaged three others and sunk several
supply ships. However, HMS Hardy and HMS Hunter were destroyed and HMS Hotspur was heavily damaged.
Commodore Warburton-Lee was killed in action and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
April 13, 1940:The British were determined to
neutralize the remaining German naval forces. This time, they returned Ofotfjord, again near Narvik.
with heavier support, including a battleship.
Vice Admiral William Whitworth led a force including the battleship HMS Warspite,
9 destroyers (including Polish ORP Grom and ORP Błyskawica), supported by aircraft launched from Warspite.
The Germans had 8 destroyers, but they were severely low on fuel and ammunition as there
were no air or naval reinforcements due to isolation.
Aircraft from HMS Warspite spotted and bombed a German submarine (U-64), sinking it, making it
the first successful British use of aircraft in ship-based sub-hunting.
British destroyers aggressively attacked German ships hiding in side fjords.
Błyskawica escorted supporting forces during the larger naval operations around Narvik
and participated in subsequent support and protection of Allied convoys.
German destroyers, unable to escape or resupply, were either sunk or scuttled.
The British lost no major warships, though there was minor damage to some, and cleared
the way for Allied attempts to retake Narvik on land.
April 20–24, 1940: ORP Błyskawica operated
off the Norwegian coast, participating in escort duties for Allied troop and supply convoys
heading toward Norway, particularly in the Namsos and Åndalsnes operations. The ship was assigned
to the Royal Navy's Home Fleet and worked closely with British destroyers and cruisers.
May 4, 1940: Błyskawica provided escort for
naval forces near Narvik, where German forces were engaged in prolonged combat with Allied troops.
The ship took part in covering operations for British and French landings and retreats in the region.
During these actions, Błyskawica was involved in anti-submarine and anti-aircraft defense,
frequently coming under air attack but avoiding serious damage.
Whilst Błyskawica and Grom were operating in Rombakken Fjord, near Narvik, Norway, a
Luftwaffe Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber attacked Grom. She was struck with two bombs and exploded
violently when the aft ammunition magazine detonated. The ship sank quickly. Of its 180-190 man
crew, 59 were killed, dozens were injured and most were rescued from the sea or made it to land.
Many transferred later to the Błyskawica. [Video]
May 27–June 8, 1940: ORP Błyskawica continued
supporting the evacuation of Allied troops from Norway as the German advance and events in France
made continued resistance untenable. Błyskawica was engaged in escorting convoys back to Britain,
helping safeguard retreating troops. Also note the Bayleaf Operation in 1944.
German and Allied invasions and attacks. Click Photo To Enlarge [Credits: Warfare History Network]
The Second Battle of Narvik. Ofotfjord. HMS Warspite is to the right.
Sister ships ORP Blyskawica and ORP Grom may be leading the formation.
Click Photo To Enlarge [Credits: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Presented by the War Artists Advisory Committee 1947]
Perspective
Although the main reason for abandoning the Norwegian Campaign was Germany's invasion of France
and The Lowlands, the British suffered significant losses, including aircraft carriers and
destroyers. The Luftwaffe had air superiority, especially around key ports like Narvik
and Trondheim, while Allied forces had poor air cover and no nearby bases. Coupled with
the fact that terrain and logistics were extremely difficult because of mountainous fjords,
poor roads, only seaborne supply routes and harsh weather, there was no compelling reason to
sustain the hurriedly mounted campaign. However, the long term consequences of the withdrawal
were significant, as Germany had control of the main supply routes to and from Russia when
they became important later in the War.
OPERATION DYNAMO [DUNKIRK]
Preparing For War
Operation Dynamo was the codename for the dramatic evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, between May 26 and June 4, 1940, during World War II. After the German Wehrmacht launched a rapid and overwhelming invasion of France and the Low Countries, British, French, and Belgian forces found themselves encircled near the Channel coast. With the fall of France imminent, over 330,000 Allied soldiers were trapped with their backs to the sea.
The British Admiralty, under Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay, coordinated a massive effort to rescue these troops using a fleet of Royal Navy vessels, merchant ships, and hundreds of civilian boats—fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and ferries—collectively known as the "Little Ships of Dunkirk."
Timeline
May 19–20, 1940: Deployment Order
Błyskawica was tasked with escorting Allied vessels and protecting anti-aircraft cover between Dunkirk
and Britain on evacuation route Y.
May 27, 1940: Operation Dynamo Begins.
Błyskawica begins her first active patrols in the English Channel near Dunkirk.
May 27–June 1, 1940: Repeated Missions.
The destroyer completes multiple crossings, escorting troopships and defending against Luftwaffe air attacks.
She engages German aircraft several times, using her formidable anti-aircraft weaponry to protect both naval and civilian vessels.
Błyskawica also rescues troops from damaged or sinking ships.
May 30, 1940 – SS Cyclone.
Błyskawica escorted SS Cyclone, a large paddle steamer converted for troop transport, through heavily contested waters.
She shielded the vessel from Luftwaffe attacks, helping to ensure its successful evacuation run.
May 31, 1940 – HMS Greyhound.
ORP Błyskawica rendered assistance to the British destroyer HMS Greyhound, which had been disabled by German dive bombers.
HMS Greyhound, a G-class British destroyer, was attacked by Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers on May 29, 1940, while supporting the evacuation at Dunkirk:
While there is some uncertainty in sources regarding whether ORP Błyskawica directly towed HMS Greyhound or merely assisted in her protection or rescue after she was damaged, most credible accounts indicate that Greyhound was not successfully towed to a port.
Błyskawica is reported to have assisted in rescuing survivors from the sinking Greyhound.
The engagement took place off the French coast, in waters heavily patrolled by the Luftwaffe, making a tow virtually impossible under constant air threat.
HMS Greyhound sank on May 29, 1940, not far from Dunkirk.
June 2, 1940: Final Evacuation Efforts.
As the evacuation draws to a close, Błyskawica continues to shield retreating vessels
and assist in last-minute rescues.
June 4, 1940: Operation Ends.
Operation Dynamo officially concludes. ORP Błyskawica is credited with significant
contributions to the safe evacuation of thousands of Allied soldiers, particularly by fending off air assaults.
June 1, 1940: Błyskawica was ordered to withdraw to Harwich for repairs.
Ships Evacuating Troops At Dunkirk Click Photo To Enlarge [Credits: English Heritage]
Troops Awaiting Evacuation From Dunkirk Click Photo To Enlarge [Credits: English Heritage]
Perspective
Despite constant attacks from German aircraft and ground forces, the evacuation was largely successful and came to symbolize British resilience and unity under pressure. The operation was pivotal in preserving the core of the British Army for the defense of Britain and the continuation of the war effort.
Błyskawica returned to port damaged but intact, having fulfilled a crucial role in protecting Allied forces during one of the most dramatic rescues in naval history.
CONVOYS PLUS UK COASTAL AND NORTH AFRICAN PATROLS
UK Coastal Patrols
At various times Between December 1939 and January 1944, when she was not involved in convoy duties, refits, or repairs,
Błyskawica was active on both defensive and offensive missions around the UK coast and in the English Channel.
In 1942 and 1943 she took part in the North Africa Campaign.
Timelines
1939
September 7, 1939: On their way through the Minch, Błyskawica, Burza and Grom depth charged a submarine contact 10 miles south of Uist in the Hebrides at 56º-55ºN, 07º-05ºW on their way from Rosyth to Plymouth. They arrived on September 9.
September 26, 1939: Escorted convoy HG.1 - the first of the Homeward from Gibraltar series.
November 7th, 1939: Błyskawica and GROM, on patrol 70 miles east of Lowestoft, were attacked by German torpedo planes. No damage resulted in this first recorded aircraft torpedo attack of the war. Returning to Harwich, they fouled the buoy. GROM's port propeller was damaged, and she required docking. Błyskawica was docked for precautionary examination after GROM completed her repairs.
November 8, 1939: Convoy FN.33, departed Southend on November 7 escorted by three destroyers. It was joined on November 8 by four destroyers from the 7th and 22nd Flotillas in Immingham, plus Polish destroyers Błyskawica, Burza and Grom from Harwich, to reinforce the convoy. It was being shadowed by German aircraft, so the escorts were there to counter an anticipated German surface attack. The convoy arrived at Methil on the 9th without incident.
November 30, 1939: Steamer Sheaf Crest hit a mine off of the coast of Cornwall at 51‑32N, 01‑26E. One crewman was lost. 12 survivors were picked up by Błyskawica and taken to Harwich, plus 15 others were picked up and taken to Ramsgate.
December 11, 1939: Błyskawica fired on an unidentified aircraft off of the port of Harwich.
December 12, 1939: Trawler Valeria reported sighting a suspicious vessel near 5A Buoy off Lowestoft, course ESE. Błyskawica was dispatched to assist, but was ordered to return to Harwich at daylight as no contact was made.
December 18, 1939:
She escorted British minelayers during a night operation off the German coast, laying mines between Sylt Island and Emden near the Heligoland Bight.
1940
January 15-16 1940: Destroyers Błyskawica, HMS Griffin and HMS Grafton swept off the Dutch coast in Operation ST 2 during the night of the 15th/16th, supported by six other Royal Navy destroyers.
January 16, 1940: Arrested Latvian ship Raznov carrying cargo to Germany.
January 31 - February 9, 1940: Degaussing cable fitted at Chatham Dockyard.
February 16, 1940: Command changed from Lt. Cmdr. Jerzy Umecki to Cmdr. Stanisław Nahorski.
February 16-29, 1940: Routine maintenance.
March 7, 1940: Błyskawica and Burza left Harwich, along with two Destroyers from Dover, escorted auxiliary minelayer Hampton as it laid British minefield DML 9 in the English Channel between 51-53N and 51-59N in a direction 20° east to 20° west. Minesweeper Franklin had already laid the mark buoys. After the operation, the destroyers returned to Harwich.
March 22, 1940: Błyskawica escorted three French submarines and their tender, Jules Verne, from Brest to Harwich, ensuring their safe passage. They became a part of the 10th. Flotilla.
April 4, 1940: Błyskawica, Burza and Grom departed Harwich at 12:00 for Rosyth.
April 7, 1940: Błyskawica, Burza and Grom sailed for a position 80 miles west of Stavanger, Norway to arrive at 17:00 on April 8th from whence they would sweep north.
May 2, 1940: Błyskawica was damaged by German shore guns near Narvik. She retired to Skelfjord for repairs.
May 7, 1940: Near Narvik at 68º-30ºN, 14º-15ºE, light cruiser Aurora was damaged at 1641 by a German bomb which landed forward of B-turret. Błyskawica was damaged by splinters from near misses in the same attack. Destroyer Faulknor was near missed but not damaged.
May 14, 1940: Reaches Harwich for repairs.
May 19 - June 2, 1940: Błyskawica participated in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk, where she notably towed a stricken Royal Navy destroyer away from the quay, earning commendations for her captain.
June 9, 1940: Departed Harwich for a refit and repairs in Cowes.
August 12, 1940: Shot down a Heinkel He 111 whilst defending Portsmouth.
August 30 - September 3, 1940: Joined Bursza in escorting convoy OA.206 headed to the USA.
September 1, 1940: Rescued the sole survivor of Har Zion, sunk by U-38 near Bloody Foreland.
September 3 - 9, 1940: Escorted convoy SL/MKS.44 from Freeport, Sierra Leone to Liverpool.
September 11, 1940: Conducted exercises off Plymouth alongside HMS Newcastle and ORP Burza.
September 13, 1940: Błyskawica and Burza swept the French coast westward from the Roches Douvres lighthouse near the Channel Islands.
September 14 - 24, 1940: Błyskawica went through a long refit at Devonshire Dockyard before carry out working up practices in Scapa Flow.
26 September, 1940: Participated in exercises off Plymouth with HMS Newcastle and ORP Garland.
29 September, 1940: Engaged in a night patrol in the English Channel as part of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla, encountering German motor torpedo boats.
December 4: 1940: Experienced steering damage, needing 2 months of repairs in Devonshire Dockyard, whilst escorting convoy OB.254 from Liverpool.
1941
Early February 1941: Type 281 RADAR fitted. Sails to Scapa Flow for working out and training.
February 11 - 13, 1941: Escorted convoy OB.285 headed for Iceland.
February 14, 1941: Sustained damage during a severe storm and returned to Greenock for repairs.
March 10, 1941: Escorted first days of convoy PQ.13 Loch Ewe to Murmansk.
March 13, 1941: Whilst docked, participated in the anti-aircraft defense of Glasgow
Mid-March to Late November, 1941: Many of the crew transferred to the ORP (formerly HMS) Garland
March 27-31, 1941: Escorted convoy UR.17 from Loch Ewe - Reykjavik
April 3 - 7, 1942: Escorted convoys RU.17 and QP.9 from Reykjavik to Loch Ewe.
July 20 - 22, 1941: Escorted convoy PW.189 from Portsmouth to Milford Haven.
December 2, 1941: Arrived at Scapa Flow for training exercises to ensure combat readiness after a long refit.
December 20, 1941: Returned to Greenock, fully prepared for operational duties
December 22, 1941: Escorted convoy TC.16 headed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to the River Clyde.
1942
January 9, 1942:Aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, after refitting, departed Liverpool for the River Clyde, escorted by destroyers HMS Skate and ORP Błyskawica.
February 1 - 4, 1942: Escorted convoy DS.21 on its way from Iceland to the River Clyde
February 12, 1942: Błyskawica arrived at Scapa Flow from Western Approaches at 15:00 to form part of the escort for destroyer depot ship Blenheim sailing for Reykjavik. Together with destroyer HMS Fury, they sailed on the 13th. Destroyer HMS Punjabi departed Hvalfjord at 20:00 on the 13th to meet them and provide additional escort. All four ships arrived at Hvalfjord at 21:00 on the 16th.
February 22 - 27, 1942: Escorted convoy SC.69 headed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to the River Clyde.
March 10 - 17, 1942: Escorted convoy PQ.13 from Loch Ewe to Iceland, headed for Murmansk
May 4, 1942: While undergoing repairs in Cowes, Błyskawica defended the town during a Luftwaffe raid. [Details below].
June and July, 1942: Błyskawica was actively engaged in convoy escort and patrol operations in the North Atlantic and Irish Sea.
August 1, 1942: Błyskawica had resumed active duty, participating in exercises off Lough Foyle with the submarine HMS H32.
August 2, 1942: She rejoined convoy escort duties, a role she continued throughout the summer.
August 9, 1942: Escorted convoy SC.94 headed from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Liverpool.
September 19, 1942: Formidable escorted by Błyskawica left Clyde for Rosyth (Operation EX).
September 20, 1942 Rodney and Victorious escorted by Błyskawica, Blean, Whaddon, Shikari, and Zetland left Rosyth for Scapa (Operation E X)
September 21, 1942: Victorious and Rodney escorted by Błyskawica, Blean, Shikari, and Zetland arrived Scapa from Rosyth. Later, Błyskawica, Shikari, and Zetland left Scapa for the Clyde.
Tuesday 22, 1942: Błyskawica, Shikari, and Zetland arrived Clyde from Scapa.
September 25, 1942: Escorted convoy AT.21headed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the River Clyde .
September 26, 1942: Escorted convoy SC.100 headed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Liverpool
October 2, 1942: Escorting RMS Queen Mary when the liner struck and sank HMS Curacao).
October 3, 1944: Convoy AT.65 - SS Aquitania, carring 7,984 troops
October 6-31, 1942: Błyskawica, Branham, and Cowdray left Londonderry on October 20 for Gibraltar.
November 8, 1942: Allied forces land in French North Africa. Błyskawica provides support near Algiers.
November 9–11, 1942: Continued operations and support by Błyskawica in the region.
November 12, 1942: Błyskawica sustains damage from an air raid near Cape Bougie and retreats to Gibraltar for repairs.
November 13 & 14, 1942: Escorting convoy MKF.1A from Algiers to Gibraltar.
December 5, 1942: Repairs completed; Błyskawica resumes operations.
December 12 - 14, 1942: Escorting convoy MKF.4Y from Bône to Gibraltar, headed for the River Clyde.
1943
January–March 1943: North Atlantic & Western Approaches, engaged in HX & ON convoy escort duties between the UK and North America, safeguarding merchant vessels against U-boat threats.
April – May 1943: After a harsh winter and continuous escort service, Błyskawica underwent a minor refit and repairs (probably at Liverpool or Plymouth). RADAR and SONAR systems may have been upgraded. Time in port was also used for crew training and rotation.
May 11 - 17, 1943: Escorting convoy SL/MKS.129 from Freetown -to rendezvous with MKS.13.
May 19 - 22, 1943: Escorting convoy MKS.13 from Bougie - Gibraltar
June – August 1943: Bay of Biscay Operations or Operation Musketry:
Involved in aggressive anti-submarine sweeps and patrols in the Bay of Biscay, targeting German U-boats transiting to/from French Atlantic bases like Lorient and Brest.
This coincided with Allied air and naval offensive operations aimed at U-boat transit choke points. Operation Musketry coordinated patrols by RAF and Fleet Air Arm aircraft over the Bay of Biscay. It worked in conjunction with Operation Seaslug, which co-ordinated naval patrols in the same region.
Błyskawica also worked with Escort Groups operating from Plymouth and Falmouth.
September–October 1943: English Channel & Southern UK Coast - Escorted CW & OW coastal convoys and conducted patrols to counter E-boat and Luftwaffe attacks.
October 1 - 9, 1943: Escorting convoy AT.65 (New York - Clyde) including Aquitania, carrying 7,984 troops
November 1943: Gibraltar & Western Mediterranean - Provided escort for KMF & MKF convoys heading to and from Gibraltar,
ensuring safe passage through U-boat-infested waters.
December 1943: Return to UK Waters – Training and Standby for 1944 Operations:
Błyskawica returned to Portsmouth or Greenock for crew leave, training, and preparation for future operations, including planning for the D-Day invasion.
She was assigned to the 10th Destroyer Flotilla, a unit later pivotal to the Normandy campaign.
1944
January 1 to February 6, 1944: Błyskawica was in Scapa Flow, working up (Crew training, equipment & system checks, sea trials and operational readiness exercises).
February 6-9, 1944: Left Scapa for Hvalfjord, but after being diverted to join convoy UR.108 on the 8th she returned on the 9th with defects.
February 11-13, 1944: Left Left Scapa for Hvalfjord and arrived on the 13th.
February 15-19, 1944: Left Hvalfjord for Belfast escorting a U.S. Troopship, arriving on the 17th and continuing to Scapa Flow, arriving on the 19th.
February 24, 1944: Błyskawica was damaged in a collision with HMS Musketeer and was in Scapa Flow for repairs until the 29th.
June 1944: Assigned to the Anglo-Polish-Canadian 10th Destroyer Flotilla, Błyskawica engaged in operations in the English Channel, including the Battle of Ushant on 8 June 1944, where she fought against German destroyers.
September 30, 1944: Escorting MS Mauretania.
October 3, 1944: Escorting SS Aquitania.
October 9, 1944: Escorting HMS Indefatigable.
October 29, 1944: Escorting convoy TA.159 including RMS Queen Elizabeth (carrying 2,500 troops) and Dominion Monarch.
December 6 & 7, 1944: Escorting convoy AT.171 en route from New York to France including MS Pasteur with 4,398 troops.
December 14, 1944: Escorting MS Sobieski carrying troops from the USA.
ORP Błyskawica in [] [Click Photo To Enlarge]
North Africa Campaign Click Photo To Enlarge
[Credit: Netchev, S. (2024, July 25). WWII North Africa Campaign, 1940-1943. World History Encyclopedia.]
Operation Torch (North Africa)
In early November, 1942 the Allies launched Operation Torch in French Morocco and Algeria with approximately 107,000 troops from the U.S. and Britain. The key objectives were to:
Secure key ports and airfields in North Africa.
Facilitate a pincer movement against Axis forces, with British troops advancing from Egypt and Allied forces from the west.
Establish a base for future operations into Southern Europe.
The operation involved landings at Casablanca (Western Task Force), Oran (Center Task Force), and Algiers (Eastern Task Force). While some Vichy French forces resisted, many units eventually ceased opposition, leading to Allied control over the region.
ORP Błyskawica played a significant role in Operation Torch:
Escort Missions: Błyskawica escorted the aircraft carrier HMS Furious, which delivered 32 Spitfire fighters to Malta.
Escorted a convoy carrying 32,000 troops to the Algiers region.
Naval Gunfire Support: Provided artillery support during landings at Sidi Ferruch, aiding troops at the "Beer Green" beach sector.
Combat Engagement: On November 12, 1942, Błyskawica was damaged during a German air raid near Cape Bougie and withdrew to Gibraltar for repairs.
Timeline
November 8, 1942: Allied forces land in French North Africa. Błyskawica provides support near Algiers.
November 9–11, 1942: Continued operations and support by Błyskawica in the region.
November 12, 1942: Błyskawica sustains damage from an air raid near Cape Bougie and retreats to Gibraltar for repairs.
December 5, 1942: Repairs completed; Błyskawica resumes operations.
Other Mediterranean Operations
After participating in Operation Torch in November 1942, Błyskawica continued her service in the Mediterranean. In March 1943, she joined Force Q, operating primarily from bases in Algiers and Bône. Her missions included patrolling the Sicilian Strait to disrupt Axis supply lines to North Africa, providing naval gunfire support, and escorting convoys. These operations were crucial in weakening Axis forces in the region and supporting Allied advances.
Timeline
December 1942: Błyskawica was assigned to Force H, operating in the western Mediterranean.
March 1943: She joined Force Q, with supply bases in Algiers and Bône (now Annaba, Algeria). Her duties included patrolling the Sicilian Strait to block German and Italian deliveries to North Africa and protecting simulated Allied landing operations near Tunis.
March–May 1943: Błyskawica continued her patrols and escort missions in the Mediterranean, contributing to the disruption of Axis supply routes and supporting Allied operations in North Africa.
May 22, 1943: She departed Gibraltar for Cowes, England, for routine maintenance, concluding her Mediterranean deployment.
Perspective
ORP Błyskawica's UK coastal duties and involvement in the North African Campaign's Operation Torch plus Forces H and Q exemplify the collaborative efforts of Allied naval forces during World War II. Her involvement in escort missions, direct combat support, and resilience under attack, highlight the critical roles played by individual vessels in achieving broader strategic objectives. Her operations around Bône were instrumental in disrupting Axis supply lines and supporting the broader objectives of the North African campaign and the eventual retaking of Southern Europe.
COWES AIR RAID
While undergoing repairs in May 1942 at the J. Samuel White shipyard in Cowes, Isle of Wight, where she had originally been built in the late-1930s,
Błyskawica defended the town during a Luftwaffe raid. Around 160 Heinkel He 115s attacked the shipyards and Saunders-Roe aircraft factory on the night
of May 4-5, dropping over 400 bombs. Her crew maintained combat readiness despite orders to disarm during the refit. Despite being under maintenance
and partially disarmed, the crew defended the town using the ship’s available armament and support equipment. They fired over 2,000 rounds
of 40mm shells and 10,500 rounds of machine gun ammunition, which, along with anti-aircraft units and the local fire brigades,
helped to repel the attack and minimize damage.
Timeline
April–Early May 1942:
Błyskawica is in dry dock at J. Samuel White's shipyard in Cowes for maintenance.
The crew remains aboard, with limited armament operational due to refit work.
May 4, 1942 – Afternoon:
Commander Francki is informed of increased Luftwaffe activity and suspects an imminent raid.
He urgently requests permission from the British Admiralty to man the ship's guns and defend the port — permission is granted.
Evening, May 4, 1942:
Crew prepares anti-aircraft weapons (including 40mm Bofors and smaller-caliber guns), and positions some guns ashore.
Błyskawica is readied for action, and coordination with local authorities is established.
Night of May 4–5, 1942 (approx. 11:30 PM – 1:00 AM):
The Luftwaffe launches a major air raid targeting Cowes and East Cowes.
Bombers drop high explosives and incendiaries, aiming at the shipyard and surrounding infrastructure.
Błyskawica opens sustained and accurate anti-aircraft fire, despite being in dock.
Polish sailors also assist local emergency services, including firefighting and evacuation efforts.
post-raid – Early May 5, 1942:
The ship’s crew continues helping extinguish fires and treating casualties.
Several bombs fall near Błyskawica, but she remains largely undamaged.
The raid causes significant damage to the area but key facilities are preserved, and casualties are far fewer than expected.
ORP Błyskawica Defending Cowes [Click Photo To Enlarge]
Sites where bombs landed during the raid on Cowes Click Photo To Enlarge
[Credit: County Records Office, Newport Isle of Wight]
Perspective
The incident is remarkable because:
The crew of Błyskawica, under Commander Wojciech Francki, broke naval protocol by requesting — and receiving — special permission from the Admiralty to use the ship’s guns from a civilian port.
They established gun emplacements on land, supplied electricity to the town when power was knocked out, and coordinated firefighting and medical aid.
The destroyer’s anti-aircraft fire was intense and sustained, reportedly lasting over 90 minutes, disrupting bombing runs and diverting attacks away from key targets.
The Polish sailors' bravery and readiness are widely credited with preventing far worse destruction and saving hundreds of lives.
The night of May 4-5, 1942 and the role of ORP Błyskawica have not been forgotten by the people of Cowes and the Isle of Wight, with many commemorations having occurring in Cowes on anniversaries of the event. The people of Cowes have never forgotten Błyskawica’s role. In 2002, on the 60th anniversary, a plaque and memorial were unveiled in Cowes, with surviving Polish sailors and local officials in attendance.
10th DESTROYER FLOTILLA
In April 1944, the Royal Navy reactivated the 10th Destroyer Flotilla to protect Allied shipping against German naval fast attack boats (S-boats) and destroyers, and support the Normandy invasion. It consisted of British, Canadian, and Polish destroyers and played an important part in safeguarding the English Channel during and after the D-Day landings [See below].
The 10th Destroyer Flotilla was a multinational unit under the command of Captain Basil Jones aboard HMS Tartar. It consisted of eight destroyers divided into two divisions:
19th Division: HMS Tartar, HMS Ashanti, HMCS Haida, and HMCS Huron.
20th Division: HMS Eskimo, HMS Javelin, ORP Błyskawica, and ORP Piorun.
ORP Błyskawica joined the 10th Destroyer Flotilla in January 1944. Her duties included patrolling the English Channel, escorting convoys, and engaging enemy vessels. Notably, on the night of June 8–9, 1944, she participated in the Battle of Ushant, where Allied destroyers intercepted and engaged German destroyers off the coast of Brittany.
Timeline
January 1944: ORP Błyskawica assigned to the 10th Destroyer Flotilla under Royal Navy Plymouth Command.
June 6, 1944: Provided naval gunfire support during the D-Day landings in Normandy.
June 8–9, 1944: Participated in the Battle of Ushant, engaging German destroyers and contributing to their defeat.
The early hours of June 8–9, 1944: The Allied flotilla detected the German ships via radar. A series of engagements ensued:
ZH1 was engaged by HMS Tartar and HMS Ashanti. After sustaining heavy damage, she was scuttled by her crew.
Z32 was engaged by the 20th Division, lead by ORP Błyskawica. However, due to confusion and inexperience among the new division, they temporarily lost contact with the German vessel.
Z32 was later pursued by the Canadian destroyers. HMCS Haida and HMCS Huron. After a fierce chase, Z32 ran aground on the Île de Batz and was later destroyed by Allied aircraft.
[Video]
Z24 and T24 managed to escape after brief engagements.
Post-June 1944: After helping shield the D-Day landings, Błyskawica continued patrols and escort missions in the English Channel, supporting Allied operations in Western Europe.
10th Flotilla heading for the Battle Of Ushant 1944 Click Photo To Enlarge [Credit: Unknown]
German Destroyer Z32, wrecked during the Battle of Ushant Click Photo To Enlarge [Credit: Unknown]
Perspective
The 10th Destroyer Flotilla was instrumental in maintaining control over crucial maritime routes and supporting the success of the Normandy invasion. The battle resulted in an Allied victory, with the sinking of ZH1 and the destruction of Z32. This engagement significantly reduced the Kriegsmarine's ability to threaten Allied operations in the English Channel during the critical period following the Normandy landings.
BAYLEAF OPERATION (Norwegian Coast)
The aircraft carrier HMS Furious lead Operation Bayleaf was conducted as a part of the broader naval campaign to protect Arctic and Russia convoy routes. HMS Furious launched airstrikes against German shipping and coastal targets along the Norwegian coast. ORP Błyskawica was involved in protecting convoys and providing support during the operation.
Timeline
24 February 1944: HMS Furious, as part of the covering force for convoy JW 57, launched airstrikes against German shipping and coastal installations along the coast of Norway.
24 February 1944: Soon after the fray, Błyskawica was involved in a collision with the British destroyer HMS Musketeer. Both vessels were damaged. The collision caused structural damage to Musketeer's bow, so she was taken to a shipyard in Hull for repairs. Błyskawica had repairs made to her stern in Scapa Flow. Photos taken at the time reveal some damage to the starboard stern side of the Błyskawica and damage to the bow of Musketeer.
[Note: Some accounts say that the collision occurred in Scapa Flow, but according to the Royal Navy’s Home Fleet Admiralty War Diary, the two destroyers collided at 05:35 hours while maneuvering in the Pentland Firth, presumably returning from Norway.]
Błyskawica in Scapa Flow with a damaged stern after a collision with HMS Musketeer. Click Photo To Enlarge [Credit: Photo F.A. Davies from Imperial War Museum, Cat. IWM A22167]
HMS Musketeer at Scapa Flow with a damaged bow after the collision with ORP Błyskawica Click Photo To Enlarge [Credit: Imperial War Museum]
Perspective
T.B.D.
D-DAY SUPPORT
June 6, 1944, known as "D-Day", was the first day of Operation Neptune, the amphibious assault phase of Operation Overlord,
which was the plan to liberate Western Europe by invading Nazi-occupied France via Normandy. It would land over 156,000 Allied troops
(~73,000 American, ~83,000 British and Canadian) on five beaches along the coast of Normandy. It was swiftly
followed by dropping ~24,000 paratroopers from the US 82nd & 101st and British 6th Airborne divisions. Operation Neptune
involved 7,000+ vessels (including 1,200 warships, 4,000 landing craft). Over 180,00 artillery shells were fired on D-Day.
The degree of logistics and planning involved was unprecedented and multi-faceted:
Operation Bodyguard: The deception campaign was in the works for two years and co-ordinated aspects such as fake armies and radio traffic.
Supply Chain and Infrastructure:
Mulberry Harbours": Portable, artificial structures that were floated across the English Channel and assembled offshore.
PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean): A Secret project to supply fuel from Britain to France under the English Channel.
Vehicle Deployment: Thousands of tanks, trucks, and jeeps transported via LCTs (Landing Craft, Tank).
Troop and Equipment Transport: Over 200,000 vehicles and 2 million men would eventually follow through the beachhead. Approximately 14,000 sorties were flown on D-Day to support landings.
Medical and Humanitarian Support: Field hospitals were established quickly inland. There were evacuation plans for returning the wounded across the Channel by ship and air. and Units trained to bury the dead and identify remains.
Timeline
Late May 1944 - Assignment to 10th Destroyer Flotilla: ORP Błyskawica was assigned to the Anglo-Polish-Canadian 10th Destroyer Flotilla, operating under the Royal Navy's command. This flotilla was tasked with patrolling the western approaches of the English Channel to protect Allied invasion forces from German naval threats.
June 6, 1944 – D-Day: On D-Day, Błyskawica conducted patrols in the English Channel, providing distant cover for the landing forces and guarding against potential German naval counterattacks.
June 8–9, 1944 – Battle of Ushant: Błyskawica participated in the Battle of Ushant, a night action where Allied destroyers intercepted German naval forces attempting to disrupt the Normandy landings. The engagement resulted in the sinking of the German destroyer ZH1 and the scuttling of Z32 after it was heavily damaged.
June 10–14, 1944: Following the battle, Błyskawica resumed patrol duties in the English Channel, ensuring the continued safety of Allied shipping lanes and supporting the ongoing operations in Normandy.
June 26, 1944: General Kazimierz Sosnkowski, the Polish Commander-in-Chief, visited Błyskawica to observe operations off the French coast, highlighting the ship's significance in the Polish contribution to the Allied efforts.
Błyskawica off of the coast of Normandy in June, 1944. Click Photo To Enlarge [Credit: The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum]
The Mulberry artificial harbour off Arromanches in Normandy, September 1944. Click Photo To Enlarge [Credit: Harrison (Sgt), No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit
Photograph BU 1024 from the Imperial War Museums collections.]
Perspective
Sadly, there were an estimated 10,000+ Allied casualties on D-Day alone, including ~4,400 dead, but the latter represented just over 2% of the troops deployed that day. Things may have been worse but for the many ships, aircraft and men that made Operation Neptune and Overlord a success. On the naval front, a wide variety of Allied vessels were used, including:
Battleships: Such as USS Texas and HMS Rodney.
Cruisers: Such as HMS Belfast and USS Augusta.
Destroyers: Such as ORP Błyskawica and HMS Tartar.
Monitors: Such as HMS Roberts.
Although it was one of very many, ORP Błyskawica's involvement in Operation Overlord exemplifies the vital role played by Polish naval forces in the success of the D-Day landings and the broader campaign in Western Europe that it made possible.
OPERATION DEADLIGHT
Operation Deadlight was the code name for the post–World War II scuttling of German U-boats surrendered to the Allies. After Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945, over 150 U-boats were handed over to the Allies. Rather than allow these advanced submarines to fall into Soviet hands or be recommissioned, the Royal Navy coordinated their systematic destruction. Some key facts:
Purpose: To scuttle captured German U-boats to prevent further use or proliferation, particularly amid postwar tensions.
Location: North Atlantic, off the northwest coast of Ireland, primarily around Loch Ryan in Scotland and Lisahally in Northern Ireland (collection points), with scuttling areas about 100–150 km offshore.
Timeframe: November 1945 to February 1946.
Execution: Towed by Royal Navy and Allied vessels, U-boats were sunk by gunfire, torpedoes, or by opening seacocks and explosive charges. Some sank prematurely due to bad weather or poor hull condition.
Total Scuttled: Out of 156 surrendered, 116 were sunk under Operation Deadlight. The remainder were used for testing, given to Allied navies, or scrapped.
Timeline
May 1945: Germany surrenders; Allied navies take control of U-boats.
June–August 1945: U-boats concentrated at Loch Ryan (Scotland) and Lisahally (N. Ireland).
September 1945: Operation Deadlight planning finalized by the Royal Navy.
17 Nov 1945: First U-boats towed to scuttling area from Lisahally.
Late Nov 1945: Sinking operations begin; some U-boats sink en route due to poor condition.
Jan–Feb 1946: Final sinkings completed.
11 Feb 1946: Last known Deadlight U-boat (U-3514) sunk.
Timeline of Polish Involvement
Date
Ship
Action
November 1945
ORP Błyskawica
Escorted convoys of surrendered U-boats from Loch Ryan to scuttling zones.
November 27, 1945
ORP Błyskawica
Participated in the scuttling of surrendered German U-boats U-2321, U-2322, U-2324 and U-2361 with HMS Onslaught.
November 28, 1945
ORP Krakowiak
Was involved in towing German U-2337 out to sea for scuttling.
November 28, 1945
ORP Błyskawica
Scuppered U-2325 with HMS Onslaught.
December 1945
ORP Piorun
Took part in the sinking of several captured German Type XXI submarines, including U-2329, U-2334, U-2335, U-2337, U-2350 and U-2363.
December 1945
ORP Krakowiak
Participated in sinking exercises, using gunfire to sink U-boats.
December 17, 1945
ORP Błyskawica
Scuttled U-295.
December 21, 1945
ORP Błyskawica
Scuttled U-155 and U-806 .
December 31, 1945
ORP Błyskawica
Scuttled U-363 and U-2341 with HMS Onslaught.
December 31, 1945
ORP Krakowiak
Towed U-1165 out to sea for scuttling.
Jan 1946
ORP Błyskawica
Along with HMS Onslaught, fired on over 100 U-boats to ensure successful sinking in rough weather conditions.
Feb 1946
ORP Krakowiak
Likely involved in final Deadlight missions; specific records limited.
Surrendered U-Boats awaiting scuttling.
Known locations of U-Boats scuttled during Operation Deadlight.
[Credits: Map - OpenStreetMap; Database and Image - U-Boat.net]
Perspective
The Polish Navy under British command, notably ORP Błyskawica and ORP Krakowiak, participated in escort and scuttling tasks throughout Operation Deadlight, ensuring that they could not fall into unfriendly hands.
Note: Most specific Polish Navy records refer broadly to participation in the “Deadlight flotillas,” primarily under Royal Navy organization. ORP ships most frequently provided escort and fire support, not towing.
CONCLUSIONS
To quote from the paper 'The heroic destroyer and "lucky ship" O.R.P. Błyskawica'
by A. Komorowski and A. Wojcik of the Naval University of Gdynia, Poland...
"In conclusion, it is worth saying that the decision of building two destroyers in
England was vital and gave hope for constructing more ships of this class in
Polish Shipyards.
"Błyskawica" had a very modern shape for the time, was fast, manoeuvrable (apart from its [early] problems with stability)
and strongly armed, . Each of its eleven Commanding
Officers and its crew between 1939-1946 showed that they were well trained, involved and
eager to fight.
The Museum-Ship "Błyskawica" is a part of the Second World War history, the Polish Navy and British
shipyard's workers pride, and a precious Polish national relic. It is also our
national hero, war-veteran and a very 'lucky' warship for its crew."
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Constructing this set of information on the ORP Blyskawica involved a lot of online research. I would like to acknowledge the following sources:
