The towns of Cowes and East Cowes are planning a series of very special events to commemorate one of the most remarkable days in the Island’s recent history.
The 4 days of events, between 4th May and 7th May, will mark the 75th anniversary of a ferocious overnight aerial attack on Cowes and East Cowes by the German Luftwaffe. The attack consisted of around 160 fighter-bombers, sent in 2 sorties, on 4th/5th May 1942.
Fortunately for the Island towns, the J. S. White & Co. Cowes built Polish Destroyer ORP Blyskawica had returned for re-armament and, due to an earlier Luftwaffe reconnaissance attack, armed herself in expectation of a pending blitz on the towns. Despite some 70 deaths, Cowes and East Cowes were saved and, to this day, the Isle of Wight remains extremely grateful to the Polish Navy and the crew of the Blyskawica.
To commemorate this act of heroism, Cowes and East Cowes will be hosting a mix of exhibitions, commemorative ceremonies, and events to mark 75 years since the ORP Blyskawica defended the towns from the Luftwaffe. Organised by the Friends of the ORP BLYSKAWICA SOCIETY, Poland’s Ambassador to Great Britain and the head of the Polish Navy, with other Polish and British dignitaries, will be attending.
There is a full and busy programme of events and exhibitions during the first week of May.
THURSDAY 4 MAY 2017
- Poland’s warship ORP Gniezno will be moored off Cowes for the duration of the commemorations.
- A Royal Navy type 45 destroyer will be regularly anchored off Cowes during many of the events.
- Gala Piano Recital at 19:30 in the Pavilion at the Royal Yacht Squadron. Eva Maria Doroszkowska the granddaughter of Capt. Francki, the commander of ORP Blyskawica at the time of the bombing, will play Chopin and other pieces to reflect the raid and its defence. A rocket will fire at 22:00 to commemorate the start of the raid 75 years earlier. Advance tickets on-line. Recital only £25 (with under 25s £10). Recital and post-concert buffet £45 (with under 25s £30). Book on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/islandconcerts or text 07774 851911
FRIDAY 5 MAY 2017
- Performance by the Polish Naval Band at Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre at 7.30. A Gala Concert providing a programme of Polish and international music by 38 musicians. Tickets are £15 (uniformed attendees and wtnessses to the blitz of 1942, free). Book on-lie at www.ticketsource.co.uk/islandconcerts or text 07774 851911
SATURDAY 6 MAY 2017
- Ambassador’s Cup Challenge – A race around the isle of Wight organised by the Polish Yacht Club in London. Open to club members and any other participants. 08:20 start of race from the Royal London YC finishing circa 18:00.
- Miles of Pennies at The Cut, just off Cowes High Street at 10:00 onwards. Anyone can be involved and bring their coins to help re-enact this wartime event that raised money for the ORP Blyskawica and her sister ship, ORP Grom. Money raised will go to the T. S. Osborne, Cowes Cadets.
- Francki Place Cowes – Dedication ceremony at 10:00.
- Polish Food Market in Kings Square, East Cowes. 10:00-16:00.
- Dancing by Polish Schools from Southampton in Kings Square, East Cowes as part of the Polish Food Market. Performances, 13:30, 14:00 and 14:30 by Karpaty Polish dancers.
- Blitz Walk & Service, East Cowes. Starting at 10:30 from E. Cowes Heritage Centre with return to Town Hall by 13:00 following Remembrance Service at Kingston Cemetery at noon. Open to all.
- Blitz Walk, Cowes. Leaving from Northwood Park War Memorial at 14:30. A walk to recount the devastation on the town from the blitz.
- 1940s Dance, East Cowes Town Hall, 19:00-23:00. Tickets £5 at the door.
- Ave Verum Choir at St Mary’s Church at 19:30, featuring a variety of Polish and international music with a colourful presence to suit all tastes. Advance tickets £7.50 or £10 on the night (under 18s free). Book on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/islandconcerts or text 07774 851911
SUNDAY 7 MAY 2017
- Dedication and wreath laying, Northwood Cemetery, Cowes at 10:00 in the presence of senior Polish representatives and Island civic dignitaries.
- Radio link to ORP BLYSKAWICA in Gdynia, Poland, with a mobile shore station on Cowes Parade between 10:00 and 16:00. Free engagement.
- Public remembrance service at Cowes War Memorial, Northwood Park at 11:30, followed by a service at noon at St Mary’s Church. A parade will then march down to Cowes Parade for the salute at circa 13:00. Attended by the Polish Navy band, the Cowes Royal British Legion Band and accompanying supportive local organisations and dignitaries. Formal ceremony at 13:30, including addresses from representatives of both the Society and the Polish government and navy. A commemoration plaque will be unveiled by Poland’s Ambassador to Great Britain and the Island’s Lord Lieutenant.
In addition to the formal programme of events, there are also ongoing exhibitions throughout the week for the public to enjoy. These are:
- Blyskawica Exhibition of photography will be provided by the Maritime Museum in Gdynia, Poland, at the Regatta Office on Cowes Parade from 5th to 7th May. It will then be taken to Cowes Library Museum for long term display. Free entry.
- Exhibition and blitz paintings at East Cowes Town Hall from 5th to 7th May, provided by local youth groups and schools. Open 10:00-16:00. Entry free with refreshments available.
- Cowes Heritage Exhibition of photographs and exhibits relating to the raid in 1942 at Cowes Maritime Library, Beckford Road, Cowes. Open from 5th May onwards. Free entry.
- East Cowes Heritage Centre, in Clarence Road – exhibition dedicated to the town’s defence and open to the public from Tuesday 18th April to the end of June. Monday – Saturday 10:00-13:00 and Wednesday 10:00-16:00. Free entry.
- King’s Square Events, East Cowes. This will include a food market as well as displays of Polish dancing.
- ORP GNIEZO will be in Cowes Roads from 6am on 4th May and leaving on the 8th .This is a refurbished Polish warship. Arrangements in hand for limited public visits.
- Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer will be anchored off Cowes and carrying out sea trials during her visit.
- Look out for Polish Dining Experiences – Restaurants have been asked to provide Polish cuisine.
Geoff Banks, Chairman of The Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society, said:
“This will be a memorable occasion for Cowes, East Cowes and the Island. The 75th anniversary of the defence of our two towns is an occasion through which our society intends to pay due homage to the officers and crew of ORP Blyskawica which came to their defence at the time of their greatest need.
Article continues below this advertisement “The tragic loss of life that night of the blitz had a devastating effect on our towns and, but for the bravery of our Polish allies, that loss of life would have been that much greater. The importance of the occasion is recognised by the people of Poland whereby the Cowes built Blyskawica, now a floating museum, remains the pride of the Polish navy. Our society is hopeful that these four days of commemorative events are enjoyed by Islanders and visitors alike. We should never forget those who forfeited their lives in that struggle for freedom”.
David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight, said:
“We are delighted to be working with the ORP Blyskawica Society to publicise this remarkable story and important anniversary in the towns’ history.
“This was the start of strong wartime connections between Poland and the Island and we hope the Polish community from across the UK will join us to further strengthen the bond between us”.
