ORP Błyskawica

Visiting a museum often conjures up images of a dull stroll through stuffy halls filled with display cases or boards. Fortunately, this stereotype is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and a trip to the museum instead evokes a thrill of excitement. This is certainly the case with the Museum of the Navy in Gdynia, and specifically one of its exhibits, the ORP Błyskawica.

Docked at the Gdynia waterfront, this historic vessel is a veteran that fought valiantly during World War II. Importantly, as the only Allied warship, it participated in military operations from 1 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. Along with its twin ship, "Grom," it was built two years before the outbreak of war in Cowes, Great Britain, where it returned as part of wartime operations. True to its title as a "lucky ship," it traversed over 130,000 nautical miles, escorted 85 convoys, conducted 108 combat patrols, and was seriously damaged only three times, losing 5 sailors. After the war, it served the Polish Navy for another 20 years before retiring deservedly.

Since 1 May 1976, it has welcomed visitors aboard, continually remaining part of the 3rd Ship Flotilla. This means it still flies the white-and-red ensign and has a permanent naval crew. At the same time, it allows ordinary landlubbers to savour a taste of maritime adventure. Tourists aboard
the "Błyskawica" can see its artillery and torpedo armament, learn about the history of Polish presence at sea since the days of privateers, and explore the engine room, radio station, and crew quarters.

The ship can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, and during the summer season, it is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (Tuesdays until 20:00). A regular ticket costs 16 PLN, while a concession ticket is 8 PLN. Admission is free on Tuesdays.

Photo and text author - Bogusława Bandyk