Polish Ship Saved An English Town

In May 1942, the Polish destroyer Błyskawica was instrumental in saving the towns of Cowes and East Cowes, on England's south coast, from worst damage during a huge German air raid.
Many thanks to Patrick Eden for this video idea!
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; US Department of Defense; Maria Kalinowska; Freedom Weird; Kenraiz; Darkone; Google Maps; Friends of the ORP Błyskawica Society; Patrick Eden
Thumbnail: Marek Hrycak

[@seler9055]

Thank you for this material as a Pole. We were sold to Stalin and didn't participate in victory parade. I'm glad such renown historians remember about us

[@martinjohnson9316]

The UK owes a lot in recognition to the Polish nation. Thank you.

[@martynm.449]

Ja lubie Polski

[@escgaming71]

City of Breda (Netherlands) is forever thankful to the polish liberators, and remembers them every year at “dodenherdenking”. As my mother always told me; thanks to the polish liberators we still had a city left after the liberation. The US would have bombed the city to pieces before liberating.

[@texaswunderkind]

In order to maintain the uneasy alliance with the Soviet Union, the western allies downplayed the role of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in starting the war in Europe. After the Soviet Union continued to occupy nations of eastern Europe after the war, the truth should have been known far and wide. Unfortunately, to this day far too many people think only Hitler started the war, while the Russians promote the myth that they were victims.

[@leemichael2154]

The poles fought valiantly especially at Arnhem alongside us brits, always be apreciated and remembered by me anyway

[@guardianofthetoasters2323]

Gotta love the polish. Even if their nation was ruined and their people were oppressed, all free and armed troops fought ferociously in the hopes of retaking their homes

[@Hiznogood]

It’s a shame that the Allies sold out their country to the Soviets, especially FDR was to chummy with Stalin. Churchill didn’t trust him longer then he could throw him!

[@undertow619]

They'll do it again if they have to.

[@ericcriteser4001]

I've never met a Poll I didn't automatically like. Really. Just good people.

[@neogeo1670]

@@ericcriteser4001 sure, but ive been robbed at knife point on a trip there....

[@sipos0]

@@neogeo1670 Bad apples in every crate unfortunately.

[@soapek7949]

Polish army in exile is widely ignored by most of the historians. I really appreciate your videos Mark! Keep it up!

[@michalwojtylo8929]

I agree.

[@VersusARCH]

You are correct, but nowadays only regarding the one fighting under the Soviet command - the Armia Ludowa, because Poland is now a Western puppet and any prior cooperation with the Russians is to be buried under a ton of hatred. As for the Polish army in the West it is being constantly lauded. Destroyer Piorun's participation in the hunt for the Bismarck, Blyskawica's exploits, obviously, 303 squadron (and a little less the 302), the exploits of submarines Orzel and Wilk, Polish participation in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Operation Market Garden...

[@44lucas]

@@VersusARCH western puppet, eh? Too bad Poland isn't enjoying the freedom of the Russian Mir, like Ukraine currently is...

[@mrswinkyuk]

They certainly are NOT ignored. The Polish are included in every serious historian's account of the war. Some Polish people on, on the other hand, make out they did the British a favour by joining us! The Poles fought magnificently, but they did it because we fed, clothed, trained and armed them.

[@Imprudentman]

@@mrswinkyukIt's no secret that many Poles fought in the Wehrmacht. The Russians specially selected Poles from among the prisoners and sent them to the Polish Army! It was a rare case in relation to prisoners, it seems to me. So they dressed, shod and fed them almost all the warring parties. 🤗

[@Crusty_Camper]

My grandfather fought alongside Polish troops in Italy and from 1962 he ran a pub on the south coast near a harbour where wood was shipped in from Poland and Russia. Poles drank free of charge in the pub and I remember this clearly from my childhood.

[@je-freenorman7787]

Poland AND Russia are both clearly part of the Holy Roman Empire and have been fighting each other for NO REASON far too long Religion is truly a curse to all Humans Government is a form of slavery

[@trix1227]

That’s awesome 👏

[@frogstamper]

Out of curiosity Crusty where was his pub anywhere near Brighton?

[@tomaswav835]

What an awesome person. We need more people like your grandfather.

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@tomaswav835 Did you know, before we had surnames, humans used to have a Patronemic naming system, where your fathers name was your second name and grandfathers was the third and so on, and a man needed to know 9 Generations to be a citizen with rights, in some places So, you would be John, son of Gary, Son of William etc and that eventually became Williamson etc

[@Simonize41]

I’m an Englishman (Yorkshireman) and I have a lot of time for Poland and her people. I don’t think the Polish get enough credit, or our thanks, for what they did for us during WWII. Some still give them a hard time for coming to live and work in the UK. Highly unfair and uncalled for in my opinion, at least they work. Thank you Poland for helping and supporting us. (Oh, and some of the finest Heavy Metal bands come from Poland, too.)

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

I wonder if they give the UK credit for what they did for Poland?

[@MrMessiah44]

​@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684Yes, it's common knowledge in Poland. How many Brits know anything about Poles fighting for your country?

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

@@MrMessiah44 Please feel free to come to our local museum in Southport UK, there you will find an entire gallery devoted to the Polish airmen who flew with 302 and 312 squadrons at RAF Woodvale from 1941 onwards complete with the personal documents of many of the pilots who settled in Britain after WW2 when they were freely given UK citizenship and residency rights after the theft of their country by the evils of communism. You could also attend ANY UK remembrance day parade and see the honours and wreaths laid SPECIFICALLY to the Polish service personnel who fought and died fighting from Britain. Can you direct me to a SINGLE Polish museum that has galleries dedicated to the 460,000 British citizens who died fighting to overthrow the oppresors of Poland? You have only to read the comments from modern day Poles on YT to see that comptemporary Poles have not got the FIRST idea about Britain during WW2.

[@piotrmalewski8178]

I've spent two years in the UK, and I've got to say, it's hardly the best of our people who moved there. I had never seen so many Poles visibly destroyed by alcohol, with literally grey faces and buying 40% strong alcohol on daily basis. I've now returned to Poland and it's better for me. I feel at home, I have a better job, all houses have thick walls and double glazed windows, also a lot cheaper and easier to own a car. Only retirement prospects are not looking good because of irresponsible budget politics and declining population, but I think it's better to be poor than be afraid of walking down the street. Besides I don't feel like ever retiring anyway. I'm maybe going to just do 4-6 hours a day instead of 8, but if you don't have an obligation to stand up sharp on time and do something everyday, it's terrible for your discipline and other life goals.

[@WielkaStopa-qh1rr]

@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 We are honouring and remember even WWII RAF crews flying with help to Uprising and you? Don't pretend 460 000 Brits died for free Poland... And Poles fought as volunteers for a West.

[@johnkramer7018]

Those Polish soldiers and sailors fought so hard and bravely to protect the United Kingdom at all cost should be honored fully. Mark Felton has done a great job about keeping all historical facts alive and I praise him a great deal for doing his part. He has made it easier for us to understand all of the historical facts of World War Two alive. He has given us a first rate of education about this piece of history.

[@obiwan88]

His name is Mark Felton, Dr. Mark Felton.

[@je-freenorman7787]

Soldier are dumb dogs War is death , not freedom STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER Government is a scam

[@skwalka6372]

Fenton is a brand of lamp shades made of glass. Great product, I highly recommend them if you are into Victorian architecture.

[@johnmurrell3175]

Don't forget the airmen as well who manned several squadrons of the RAF.

[@johnkramer7018]

@@skwalka6372! That's a very nice name. What kind of name is that?

[@RolfSAMA]

I'm a Pole & visited Błyskawica twice, but never knew about the story of Cowes. Thank you very much Mr.Felton.

[@Persian-Immortal]

"I am a Pole" is what the Polish destroyer Piorun signals the Bismarck and then fired after that.

[@xrayperforator]

Many thanks Dr Felton! The original iron-girder shipyard crane, that had been used to build "Błyskawica", was still preserved when I visited Cowes in 2006 - with great effort of Mr Otton Hulacki, who was a Polish former officer of the Patton army, that settled in England after the war in Newport - the main town of the Isle of Wight. Though the shipyard had been replaced by marinas, the crane was still there. There is a famous painting of fighting "Błyskawica" shooting German planes, moored next to that crane. I am also grateful for footage of rescue action in Cowes as I remember walking down those streets during my visit in England. "Błyskawica" served in active duty in post-war Poland until 1967, when the steam pipeline broke, killing several sailors and then was turned to a musem ship in replacement for another pre-war Polish destroyer ORP "Burza" which was scrapped due to corrosion. Greetings from Szczecin in Poland.

[@simonvirus6417]

As an Australian, i see Poland as the best judge on so called free country's turning in to dictatorships for obvious , unfortunate reasons. On youtube a viral video supporting us here by 4 brave, articulate and resolute Polish Politician's denouncing our treacherous politicians and their scumbag mates in the MSM in this war on humanity, that is the lies of the Covid Cowardly, Collaborator's . It puts the hair's up on the back of my neck every time i watch it with my kids to know that some people, still have integrity and REFUSE to go down on bended knee. Truly, my brothers in arms.

[@kristoffermangila]

Watch the World of Warships "Naval Legends" video on the Błyskawica for this episode of her career.

[@mral13131313]

The Hammerhead crane is still there.

[@Solentary1]

My dad worked as a riveter at J.S.Whites, where he helped to build the famous, to Cowes, Blyskawica. This, I have, also, seen at Gdynia, Poland! It saved our town in 1942. I was alive, in Cowes, during the raid and was in a shelter. Thank you, Polish sailors, for saving my life. I was born close to the shipyard. Polish sailors visited our home.

[@thebernice6062]

I am consistently impressed by stories of the bravery of the Polish military in exile and home resistance during WWII. I am glad to have them as NATO allies.

[@johnmurrell3175]

You must also remember the role of the Polish intelligence in cracking the Enigma Code. It was not a totally British effort

[@clairevero]

You won't be glad when they drag you into ww3

[@JRobbySh]

The West Owes so much to the Poles. Can we forget how the Poles relieved Vienna and smashed the Turkish Army. Thus began the roll-back of the Turkish Empire. that had threatened to conquer all Europe.

[@walterweiss7124]

nowadays the Polish army gives their best equipment to Ukrainians almost for free, and what is the Ukrainian gratitude? their diplomats and politicians spit on the Poles as usual: BanderiSSm worship level hard!

[@walterweiss7124]

@@JRobbySh and 90 years later the Austrians participated in partitions of Poland: never again will the Poles rescue any German lands again, that's for sure!

[@Gluee231]

I live in Cowes and some damage from the German bombings can still be seen today. The Blyskawica is certainly an important historical unit here and must have saved many lives. Thanks for the video, extremely informative and I love to see my hometown mentioned :).

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

I am an American. When I was in Jr. High, I read that many buildings in Europe contain portions from various era's, due to people building with what still stood after each World War rather than demolish things and start from scratch. I wonder if you'll survive the next one.

[@tomdegier9628]

@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 Bruh

[@plasot]

And I live in Gdynia, town where Blyskawica is now moored as museum-ship :)

[@aeliusromanus9338]

As a history lover and eager reader, I've learned to profoundly admire the brave Polish people. Regards from 🇧🇷.

[@EmisoraRadioPatio]

How poetic that the ship returned to protect the place where it was born.

[@dnbsupreme]

Being born and raised in Cowes makes me proud and forever grateful to Błyskawica and her men. Thanks Mark for hightlighting this incredible story

[@je-freenorman7787]

Silly. You are confused Government is a form of slavery, not freedom they had you build them the Holy Roman Empire so you can serve them

[@CRPsupreme]

I'm glad the people of Cowes are keeping the memory and that historic friendship alive. So nice to see the English-Polish celebrations decade after decade. Greetings!

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@CRPsupreme No, you are confused, sorry There is no such thing as "A Country" its all the Holy Roman Empire They are Roman Corporations and Religion IS NOT REAL English is a LANGUAGE, not a person Polish is NOT a language, its a Dialect of another language in the PIE family. Like Irish or Scottish but a Pole is a Field Dweller A Scot is a man from Ireland and Ire means Anger Violence or Wrath They are ROMANS

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@CRPsupreme Polish Nobles are NAZI !! So is Ukraine The Camps in Pol-land were set up BEFORE the war They sold their own people out

[@dnbsupreme]

@@je-freenorman7787 What does that make you then..? A div Noone cares so go troll off somewhere else, ya boring😴

[@banedon8087]

The Polish in WW2 fought beside our troops with honour and insane levels of bravery. We in the UK have not forgotten. Dziękuję Polsko!

[@TheLazarussLedd]

Yea lets not forget UK and others stabbed czech, Poland and rest of Europe in the back. These countries were betrayed and have been left for dead. After the war you left these countries to the mercy of Stalin. UK has done nothing but looked at it own self-interest while others suffered.

[@je-freenorman7787]

UK is Nazi The Queen is German and they set everyone up

[@zdenkamankova5110]

❤

[@je-freenorman7787]

The Polish Nobility were Nazis they sold their own people out

[@josephking6515]

Sorry but quite a few have forgotten.

[@cousinjack2841]

Hats off to the Polish armed forces; many have ignored their contributions, but many of us do not. Our Eastern European allies are formidable and staunch, as we are now being reminded. All power to them.

[@jude_the_apostle]

The roles of Poles in the survival of Britain was unbelievable. The polish people deserved so much for what they sacrificed, and instead they were ‘liberated’ and occupied by another evil for 40 years. Europe owes Poland a huge debt.

[@godonjeffjeff8963]

The Poles were amongst the most fearless fighters of WW2 , their RAF squadron downing twice as many enemy fighters during the battle of Britain. Their war effort was then " swept under the rug " after their occupation by Russia , in one of the most shameful episodes of the war. Thank you again Mr Felton , simply the best , with fantastic research and production as usual

[@bergssprangare]

20% of the polish pilots died in action.."Normal" death rate was 10%..Then even more died or suffered in their homeland , which was abandoned by its allies and given to Stalin...A shameful act of betrayal never to be forgotten.. Forgiven yes..

[@jaquigreenlees]

Not just the Polish were given this treatment, we have to remember that every nation that was part of the Soviet Union had people on the allies side during world war two. Sadly the efforts of these are usually ignored by the official histories.

[@luongo7886]

Polska and Polish people are awesome! I very much admire and love this brave nation! -- With love from Việt Nam

[@TheBuccy]

My landlord during the 70s was a highly decorated Polish veteran a true gentleman and good all round man.

[@PAPPABIATCH]

I'm English. Been in Poland for 3 months. Big up to my Polish Brothers and Sisters.

[@larsrons7937]

Interesting story, thanks for sharing. The Polish definitely fought on and with bravery all the way through WWII, even though their country was occupied.

[@lightbluewaves5526]

As a Dutchman, I have a lot of respect for Poland and the Polish, you guys truly can be proud of yourselves!

[@KrissowskiM]

Thank you!

[@wojciechpaka4250]

As Pole I have to say: thank You for this story, Dr Felton. As child I visited both ORP Burza and Blyskawica. Serving continuously in Polish Navy. (Never recommissioned to "museums") Instead of blue points on horizon or blue fence of Navy Port children on holidays were able to visit, see Navy crew, hear "second" sun- the ship bell. Half hour "cups". Sometimes more often - by child hands.. this Navy vessels in Cold War were on "bright" side. The battle for hearts and memories. Each time I had summer holidays with my Dad, I visited White Gdynia and Destroyers. Questions arose "Why daddy happened x? y? z?" "They left before war to Britain. "How we knew war comes? "We had Enigma".. Who are British? Same British we read about in school the book about Polish pilots in England? " (btw: one warm chapter about our British Alliants!) As a dad I visited Her each summer with my son. Last time he was 19.😀

[@debicadude]

Wow no way! I live in Gdynia and see this badboy every now and then, when Im visiting the shore! Thank u so much for this!

[@johnepic2422]

I've seen this ship in Gdynia several times, I never knew it was such a legend! Coming back to East Cowes where it was built to aid Englishmen there and in Dunkirk was a nice gesture! I'll be sure to try get on the ship on my next visit! Thanks Mark

[@krismangila1594]

Watch the World of Warships Naval Legend video about this ship.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Salute to the sailors (and airmen and soldiers) from Poland who fought in WW2. Brave men and a solid contribution to the war effort. Bravo!

[@literallyme177]

I greatly appreciate the effort Dr Felton made to correctly pronounce the Polish names in this video; rarely do historians try to ensure that they arent butchering foreign words.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

I practiced several times - Polish is very tricky!

[@bullet1544]

@@MarkFeltonProductions Yep :)

[@DanielKluska]

I live in Gdynia (Poland) - ORP Blyskawica is now museum-ship docking in the marine just few minutes from my house! Thank you vary much for the story Mark :)

[@RobsonRoverRepair]

Between this ship and Piorun, the two of them both where splendid examples of how Polish allies helped shape the face of the war.

[@mikedrop4421]

The Lazerpig video on the Piorun was great. The Poles definitely wanted Germany to know they were sick of their crap.

[@laszlokaestner5766]

Thank you for covering this Dr. Felton. I have attended the annual commemorations of the defence of Cowes almost every year for the last 25 years as a member of the local Royal British Legion Branch and as a member of the Cowes RBL Band. I shall be there again this year on the 8th of May, this time as bandmaster, to mark the 80th anniversary. This year we are due to be joined by ORP Wodnik the Polish Navy training ship. Cowes/East Cowes was not just a seaside town at that time. White's were a major ship builder but there was also Saunders Roe based there building seaplanes alongside other industrial concerns making the mouth of the Medina river a prime industrial target. In fact Blyskawica is not the only WW2 destroyer from White's to survive as our own HMS Cavalier is also a White's ship. A testament to the companies motto "White's built, well built". Blyskawica and Grom (which means Thunder) were indeed very fast destroyers, the fastest in the world when built. They were also large and heavily armed for the type. They were the pinnacle of the Polish fleet at the outbreak of the war. Their great speed and strength made them ideal for convoy escort duties as they were just about the only ships in the Allied fleet that could keep pace with the troop ship liners such as RMS Queen Mary making them invaluable. The Polish love ORP Blyskawica and hold her in the same esteem as we British hold HMS Victory. In fact both are still officially the flagships of their respective fleets, although the most dangerous thing they will ever have to face again is hoards of children on school trips! Many Polish sailors were billeted with local families whenever the ship was in dock and quite a few married locally. as a result there is still a strong Polish community on the Isle of Wight to this day and close links between the Island and Poland. As an additional note at 5:00 you can see the bottom of Market Hill, Cowes. Amongst the rubble you may be able to make out the remains of the town's war memorial. Prior to this raid it had stood erect there but as seen now lies broken. It was never fully repaired. after the war it was moved to Northwood Park and re-erected. this time in two parts. The plinth and stub having the broken top part (seen in the foreground) laid across it in homage to the events of that night.

[@KrissowskiM]

Thank you Laszlo!!!

[@moosifer3321]

Poland was severely let down both before , during and after WWII. The fighting spirit of that Nation is legendary, I`m proud to know a few Polish citizens that `Crew` my local pub, and I live only a few miles from the Polish War Memorial commemorating the valiant efforts of their pilots during the Battle of Britain. People of Ukraine take note - we of the West DO care but our Politicians are pretty slow on the uptake. That the Heroine of this video survives is an amazing example of National pride and determination - BRAVO! Oh and well done too Dr Mark.

[@KrissowskiM]

Thank you!!!!

[@sfinxek]

She saved town where she was build (J. Samuel White Yard, Coves). Present days she is placed in my town (Gdynia, Poland) and serves as a museum. Thank you Dr Felton!

[@ba-dam9991]

While watching I was hoping the ship made it through the war and nice to see she’s a museum. As for her defense of the city’s , I’m sure the polish sailors were even more aggressive in fighting after their homeland was invaded. Brave souls.. and another great learning video from the best , Mark Felton 👍

[@sufianansari4923]

I was working on the Isle of Wight for the whole of January, the Island is a really nice place and every taxi driver knows about the Błyskawica - the islanders are still very grateful of the ships defense of their Island during the war

[@ThuperSuper]

Many others and I would never remotely come close to all these nuggets of history without you, so thank you!

[@tazmunster7646]

The bravery of these men has never been forgotten. There are plaques around cowes town and a bandstand in their and the ship's honour.

[@grin1972]

As a Pole, I am honored that Mark Felton talks about Polish participation in World War II. Thank you very much for these little mentions. The history of the Polish army and Underground army is often overlooked and downplayed. It's a pity there is a lot to talk about.

[@Moonglow1-y9x]

One of the best military history channels!

[@privatepilot4064]

The Poles played a critical role in WW2 that gets downplayed by history. Great video.

[@skyd8726]

My mother used to tell stories of the Polish crew and Błyskawica, since she was living on Mill Hill Rd during the war. Her comments about the friendliness of the crew to the local children in the area and also of how the ship saved the town during the bombing raid still stay with me. Mum also said that on a different occasion, she was in her room when a Dornier 17 flew past her bedroom window, so presumably a low level attack on JS White's (where she worked after the war)? Later on in the war there were German PoW's who were permitted out on day-release to work on the local farms. They would walk past Mum's house and talk. Just young people caught up in the war, but frendships were made and our families remained connected into the 1980's. Herman was on an E-boat that was destroyed and he was quite happy to see out the war by doing a bit of farming on the Island. Thank you Mark! Another great bit of history presented superbly.

[@georgeduncan9443]

i had always known of the assistance that the polish pilots gave to the RAF during and after the battle of britain, but i was completely unaware of just how much the people of poland were owed by us here in the uk untill i visited the Polish Forces War Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum several years a go. thank you dr felton for bringing this wonderfull story to more people.

[@thilomanten8701]

The way a small polish destroyer ship battled at point-blank range against the oooh-so mighty Bismarck is still stuff for legends.

[@richardsimpson3792]

and legend has it, signalled in German morse code "Polish ship is coming to kill you" each time it ran in to attack.

[@wojciechpaka4250]

This destroyer attacking Bismark was ORP Piorun. Thunderstruck. Commander commodore lieutenant Eugeniusz Plawski. DSC. His order is legend in Poland: “signal by ALDIS lamp to Bismarck ”. Ha made this night hundreds of good leader military decisions. Also one tasty more: “ three times broadside all guns fire for glory of Poland”. 132 kg vs2 tons of Bismarck guns. The most important were 4 officers in Navigation Room. ? Making calculations if changes if speed, course and position now and position in a minute ahead. Navigators. Trained. Professional. Bismarck did not had central targeting room, so 4 Polish navigators were fighting for live of all Thundrestroke crew vs single targeting officers of each gun of German ship. Polish were sending continuous radio signals: “G65 in direct contact with Bismarck. Our position…” these four Navigators of ORP Thundrerstroke Piorun made the next day victory. Polish destroyer was ordered by CMR avian to return - low fuel. It is what doctors oreder: return from battle as first. ! Under big war banner of Polish Navy ORP Piorun came to Davenport. Drinks for free in all pubs. Also in Porthsmuth. Full up and pull service to ship! (ORP means just warship of Republic of ) Poland. Cmdr Pulaski spend first years after emigration as labour in sawmill.. his shift boss was NCO bosnen from allied Navy. Who hates more COs? Enemy or NCO? You know.. he was seriously ill. As tough man he ended as well off in USA Inteligence . Central? Bureau? No: Agency advicir😎

[@richardsimpson3792]

@@wojciechpaka4250 Wonderful story mate. My late Dad was ex WWII RN. Bless you and all the Polish people

[@xx6489]

Bless the Poles Their significant contribution to the war effort will not be forgotten

[@pauljonze]

Can’t believe I’ve not heard this amazing story, thanks to her brave crew and her incredible weaponry, many of the people of Cowes were saved from the bombing raid. The story of any of the other engagements she took part in would be awe inspiring enough but it seems the crew of this ship made a massive impact wherever they fought and the wisdom of her captain to ignore orders was a master stroke. Thanks for the video

[@butryk22]

Thank you Dr. Felton for highlighting the fact that Poles still contributed a lot to the outcome of WW2 even after their country was crushed by the Nazis and the Soviets.

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

Had the honor to visit Blyskawica in Gdynia by skwark Kosciuszki back in the 80s Poland. Still was painted in 1960s paint scheme, gray. ... and Burza means thunder storm in Polish. Also, for model hobbyists Polish company Mirage Hobby makes few different versions/paint schemes of her.

[@T8Hants]

My Father was part of the ARP rescue teams working in Artic Road (the line of damaged houses pictured) all through the raid. I may only be here because the defence the Polish navy put up.

[@Replica-Airgun-Lovers]

If all my school teachers were like you i may have learnt more at school. Another great video Mark

[@BJJISTHEGAYPARTOFMMA]

Your older now, you probably wasn’t as interested in history when you were a kid

[@Replica-Airgun-Lovers]

@@BJJISTHEGAYPARTOFMMA actually history was the only lesson i paid attention to 😆

[@nedludd7622]

No you wouldn't have.

[@nandy1256]

What people are being taught about now is that if nations unite against tyranny, they become the new world order.

[@vk2ig]

Maybe. Learning is a two-way street. Yes, you need good teachers, but the student also needs to *want* to learn. Many kids don't see the need to learn, or don't have the impetus or self-discipline to keep learning even when they'd prefer not to. And now we see the results in everyday life - you reap what you sow.

[@sampoultney7373]

It's very heartening to learn that the visits continue, it's these kind of naval/military traditions that need more coverage of. It brings a smile to my face. Our new destroyers should repay the favour and moor up beside her for a few days.

[@tltc191]

Thank you Dr. Felton for recognizing the Polish.

[@AdamosDad]

Thank you, Mr. Felton, for this history. It saddens me and my Polish friends that they, were invaded and abused by the Germans and then the Russians. Long live a free Poland.🇵🇱

[@densalbeach1]

We owe so much to the Polish, after witnessing the horror inflicted on their homeland many made their way to Britain and fought like lions alongside allied troops.

[@termanator5776]

I gotta say this is the best channel for WW2 Military history and world history in general

[@hampshirerose9395]

I grew up near Southampton in the 1970’s and 80’s and as children, we were always made aware of the incalculable sacrifices made by the Polish Free Forces. There were many, many Poles (also Lithuanians, Estonians, Latvians, Czechs ) in exile in our lives, running my playschool, working as teachers, shipbuilders, engineers, lawyers, writers, academics. We knew from an early age how Poland was abandoned to the Soviet Union and how disgusted our Parents and Grandparents generations were at the decision of the UK Government to abandon and sacrifice the Polish people; having given them hope of their country’s freedom after helping us keep ours. I became a Military, Maritime Aviation Historian due to the exiled people we grew up with and my Grandparents fighting in WW11. Just one of many, many volunteers and historians who interviewed Veterans of Allied Forces for the purposes of Oral History recordings, now available to all via the Museums and Archives throughout Britain. Harrowing, heartbreaking are shallow words in comparison to the suffering Warrior Free Poles who were separated from their families, friends, homes and country. I am deeply proud to have known the Poles in exile throughout my 50+ years - and to be aware of the immense sacrifices made to give myself and my peers the life of freedom we enjoy. There wasn’t a happier person in the world the day the young Polish people came to Britain to work, live and play and am very fond of my own Polish neighbours and friends. Please never forget that NOTHING can ever compensate for the despicable treatment of the Poles both in exile and in Poland by the UK Government at the end of WW11.

[@bullet1544]

Thanks for the story.

[@Joshua-fi4ji]

When was WW11? Must have missed that one. Not sure I'd trust a historian who doesn't understand Roman Numerals.

[@vk2ig]

@@Joshua-fi4ji Allowing for a bit of misunderstanding of the Roman numbering system; I understand WW11 was after WW1 and will highly likely precede WW111 ... which might have already started for all we know. I wouldn't get too upset about the Roman numerals ... it's a bit like getting tied up over "it's vs its", "they're vs there vs their", etc, on social media - in the end it's like ploughing the sea, and is highly unlikely to change the habits of people.

[@Joshua-fi4ji]

@@vk2ig you don't need grammatical perfection online, but when someone claims to be a historian (i.e. expert) then proceeds to prove they don't understand something as basic as the Roman numbering system, it calls into question what else they might not fully understand. If you don't understand a system, don't use it. Just write WW2 - it's just as valid as WWII. You don't lose credibility over a couple of typos, but you do over misusing a system. It'd be like an engineer getting imperial and metric measurements muddled up (though with less severe consequences).

[@Joshua-fi4ji]

@@vk2ig also me being from Portsmouth, I can't in good conscience not say anything about someone from Southampton.

[@SteveM-ly7oy]

I visited this ship last year, very nice. The tri city is worth visiting. Gdańsk, gdynia and sopot.

[@sherirobinson6867]

Forgotten history... remarkable and fabulous heroics

[@jackmerry6784]

I grew up on the isle of wight, my grandfather told me this story all the time as a kid and I can specifically remember the bit about the burning barrels of the guns and their glow it fascinated me, so I was amazed to see the story featured on the Mark Felton channel ....... Simply mind blown.

[@gwiazdapioun2127]

Originally, Blyskawica's main armament were twin 120 mm guns, but she was refit while in Britain; one of the reasons, aside from unifying the ammunition with the one used by the Royal Navy, was that the original guns could not elevate more than 35*; with its new 102 mm guns, Blyskawica could succesfully engage aerial targets.

[@SebaX92]

The British also used 120mm ammo (on ships like HMS Cossack) it's not about the caliber but the AA role of the main guns. The 120mm Bofors simply didn't have the elevation.

[@wolffweber7019]

@@SebaX92 Bofors 120 mm had different ammo from British 120 mm

[@je-freenorman7787]

The reason for the war, was so they can rule over you and make people slaves Good 1? UK is Nazi All government is Roman

[@baconstripsareswag3060]

I was in Gdynia recently and saw this ship. Amazing to learn more about it here. Thanks for another great video.

[@kfeltenberger]

So glad to see this heroic ship survive the war, dodge the scrappers, and be memorialized as a museum.

[@85trebuh]

Proud to be Polish always there to fight but always forgotten and neglected...

[@rogerkay8603]

That is unfair, many UK people thank the Poles for their service in WWII.

[@AtheAetheling]

@@rogerkay8603 yeah I agree, I think the UK knows about Polands contribution. But maybe other places don’t.

[@georgebuller1914]

My late father fought during WWII - Royal Navy. I have always had great respect for our Polish allies.

[@stevengibson1546]

There was a Polish ship docked in Clydebank, near Glasgow. They provided anti aircraft fire during the Clydebank blitz. There is a memorial commemorating their actions near Clydebank town hall.

[@philipkennedy8692]

There are some of us who are very aware of the Polish contributions, especially those who didn't survive displayed at the war memorials such as at Northolt and The National Arboretum. A proud people who have had to stand up to tyranny far too often.

[@williammarshall1629]

Wonderful that someone still cares enough to honour these brave people

[@Spitfiresammons]

It’s great to see lots of ww2 ships like the polish destroyer be saved from scrap into a museum great video mark Q: can you do the history of Eisenhower private mustang called “The stars look down”.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

I will be doing the Eisenhower story - thanks for a great idea! You will be credited.

[@Spitfiresammons]

I’m very honoured thank you dr Felton.

[@geisto5327]

@@Spitfiresammons Admit it, you never expected that to happen, did you? 😆

[@Spitfiresammons]

@@geisto5327 no i certainly didn't expect that to happed.

[@15-Peter-20]

@@MarkFeltonProductions what about fort VII? Not widely known

[@jackmehoff1840]

Again.....i had no idea, thank you Mark for giving most of us the opportunity to learn

[@cabsbass]

No matter how many times I hear this story it never gets old.

[@michaelreeves8164]

We of the UK owe the Polish people deep gratitude.

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

But you still voted to kick them out.

[@adolfmaotsestalin8753]

@@SirAntoniousBlock yeah yeah sure

[@danthemangurney]

Brilliant heart warming story. Thankyou for bringing to light. We need more to help us understand in Britain that World War II was won by a huge coalition of Allied forces. Polish pilots helped us win the Battle of Britain and many land campaigns. First I've heard of their naval assistance.

[@mrlodwick]

Live long Poland ! I love you.

[@Ridliman]

German high command: "A ship? you failled to level that town and you blame a lone lousy ship? Are you an idiot or only an incompetent?" German pilot: "It was a pole ship." German high command: "Oh! I'm sorry to screaming at you boy. It must have been a terrifying situation for all of you. I'm glad you managed to survive."

[@RhysapGrug]

Another fantasist here i see.

[@HanSolo__]

It was a good one. I giggled as I read it. :)

[@keithagn]

God Bless Poland. Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@arek3866]

We like your stories! A very nice historical material!!! Best regards from the US 🇵🇱 🇺🇸 🇬🇧!

[@paulw1798]

Poles are very humble people. They wouldn’t want to be adored, just recognised. Another great vid Doc.

[@KrissowskiM]

Thank you!

[@jakechinn6561]

I'm from East Cowes (Other side of the river) used to walk by the plaque dedicated to the Błyskawica in Cowes everyday on the way to school. Great to see you covering the story!

[@KrissowskiM]

Thank you! You even made an effort to put ł in the name! 👍🏻

[@davidsummer8631]

Nice this story ends with a happy ending and to this day she is still with us

[@RaindeadHiro]

Thanks for covering these events. Makes me feel even prouder of the Achievements of my people during these atrocious times.

[@suzannakoizumi8605]

Thank you. Poland is a wonderful county.

[@wojtekwardega6917]

Mark, thank you for this film. It is nice to see Polish war effort appreciated.

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

Imagine being ordered to leave your home country in its time of need. For the veteran sailors the ship became their home and country, and perhaps after the war a vessel for their memories of better times. I'm sure it pleased many to see the old ship taken care of.

[@Goblinstomper24]

I'm from the Isle of Wight and my grandfather remembers watching this all unfold. He still has his books for counting the planes going over.

[@krzysztofsaa2997]

Thank you very much. Chwała bohaterom !!!

[@czterookikral2466]

Beautiful destroyer. Good English shipbuilding job 👍 I have visited ORP "Błyskawica" several times already.

[@vernonfindlay1314]

Well back to work,just watched three Polish ww2 videos. This destroyer, brave men,blessings, rest in peace you all. 🇨🇦

[@Alicja237]

Heartfelt thanks for this video. I live within walking distance of the quay where Blyskawica is mooring. One of local favorites to visit with out-of-town guests.

[@henriknilsson7851]

What a great story! A truly heroic contribution to the defense of the UK by the Polish Navy! Your work has contributed so much to a more complete understanding of World War II. You are educating so many.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

Ah, I know this story as the 'Saviour of Cowes' (or near enough by the locals), since I was born and brunged up from Dec 1945 on the Isle of Wight, for getting into action against the German bomber raids on Cowes either side of the river Medina. Now different of course with car Ferry port, for the run to Southampton and back, and also where the yachts come for 'Cowes Week' regatta. every year. Had it not been for the 'Błyskawica' been in the docks for repairs, then things there would have been (as you explained) a lot worse with casualties and damage. There is also a memorial plaque in The Parade at Cowes to commemorate the the bravery and action of the ships crews in defence of the town: THE MEDINA BOROUGH COUNCIL This plaque is to record the sincere appreciation of the residents of East and West Cowes to the Officers and Crew of the Polish Ship THE "BLYSKAWICA" who on the 5th May 1942 bravely and selflessly defended the town against enemy air attack and thereby reduced the casualties and damage caused by the air raids AUGUST 1982, F K BAILEY, MAYOR Other stories are about the Stuka attacks on the radar station on top of Boniface Downs in the Chain Home group, and sadly not much left of it now, with just a few bunkers, a pill box and concrete pads where the transmitter and receiver towers once stood. A lot of bomb craters are there but all over grown with brambles and gorse bushes, but not back in the mid 50's when us nippers went up there to explore the place.and not all over grown. There was another site at St Lawrence which I believe started off as just mobile radar trucks, and then build with the concrete pads for the transmitters and receivers, with bunkers as well, and eve back in the 50's a barrage balloon would still be flying overheard. Later I think was was turned over the the farmer and many of the sheds/bunkers were turned into pig houses and chickens I think. Also back then there used to be a few rows of Nissan huts to house the refugees from bombed out people from the Mainland, and us nippers used to wave at them when walking down the lane to the farm as I and parents knew the owners of the farm the Whitelocks. I live at St. Lawrence from born to about 1952, and then moved to Bonchurch shore. There used to be quite a bit of reminders from WWII, but nearly all gone now, like the 'Blue Streak' (and the Black knight) missile site over at The Needles, and little of that is left now, plus a few gun batteries still in place and some from the days when the French used to invade the Island. Opps, sorry all, as I get a bit carried away about our small Island....:)

[@Apollyon-er4ut]

Outside of World of Warships, Blyska isn't heard of much. She was one of the fastest DDs up to 1950 and also one of the most heavily armed. She was an exceptional DD worthy of more fame than she has received.

[@expandedhistory]

Mark Felton has been non stop with these quality videos. Does anyone know if he went full time with KZbin?

[@sethkoch3745]

I think he’s always been full time on KZbin? Either way it’s still amazing with these non stop videos. Aren’t you a History KZbinr yourself, Is it hard to be full time or is it easy?

[@expandedhistory]

@@sethkoch3745 Great question. I feel like it’s different for every content creator, especially in regards to military history. For myself it usually takes a week or week and a half. This is because I want to make the best quality videos for my viewers and they deserve the best quality. As a full time college student majoring in History it requires me to balance everything out. I have to do the research, script writing, voice over, editing, and finalizing the video. It takes time but for me about a week and a half.

[@M.L.R.Z.]

@@expandedhistory I believe Dr Mark Felton is a historian and author on ww2 related subjects.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

@@expandedhistory You forgot sleep and self-care. Take care of yourself and don't burn yourself out ❤

[@Totek6]

Subbed!

[@roberts1938]

Thank you for a very interesting story about ORP Błyskawica. Greetings from Poland.

[@tinkmarshino]

It is good to remind folk not of that time period that even the countries that had been conquered still had fighting forces outside their country's and they were just as tough and just as willing to lay down there lives to protect innocent life as any of the free allies.. Well done again Mark.

[@simonbletsoe7059]

The Battle of Cowes. Fascinating stuff, mate. To think close to eighty years ago Poles and British were involved in a desperate struggle. Thankyou.

[@nigelwhybrow9257]

Lived in Cowes for 20 years ,so I know the basics of the story still was even more intresting to get one of youre fantastic short videos ,many thx

[@sillentfarter]

I’m from Cowes and my dad Tim Gladdis the former chairman for the society that raises funds for the ship in England and he has also done some artwork of the ship, the 80th anniversary of the Blitz on Cowes is coming up and there’s going to be a few events in the town around that time.

[@CRPsupreme]

Glad the people of Cowes are keeping the memory and that historic friendship alive. Greetings!

[@JellyPants7]

@@CRPsupreme I'm from Ryde, another town on the island and this is by far my favourite WWII story I tell to everyone. My dad, despite not having any connection to Poland would always tell me Polish servicemen were the most tenacious and dedicated and knowing they had a hand saving my place of birth makes me incredibly grateful. 🇵🇱

[@CRPsupreme]

@@JellyPants7 Thanks for sharing! I might have to visit the Isle of Wight then, if I ever happen to be in the UK

[@KrissowskiM]

@@JellyPants7 thank you!

[@JellyPants7]

Yessss! This is my favourite story. I am from the isle of wight and we have plaques and also a timeline of events on the ferry. Brave Polish men! 🇵🇱

[@danmilo1587]

Another great dokument by Max Felton! Thank you very much.

[@edku8565]

Great story Mark. Thank you very much.

[@mikebaginy8731]

I have visited Gdynia and Blyskawiska a few times and am delighted to learn more details of her extraordinary history. Thanks, Mark!

[@BC-ni3sk]

I have to say that Mark pulls up and puts together these historical nuggets which truly expand one's understanding of how particularly certain countries contributed to the wars. So much of this is forgotten in movies and history books.

[@Artur_M.]

I'm very glad you covered this story! Fun fact: another Polish destroyer - ORP _Piorun_ (Thunderbolt), later famous for basically charging Bismarck, did something similar in Clydebank, Scotland, defending the town against an air raid between 13 and 15 March 1941.

[@piotrd.4850]

More to the point: both ships fought in defence of cities in which they have been respectively built.

[@Artur_M.]

@@piotrd.4850 Yes, indeed!

[@RReese08]

Heroes are where you find them. Thanks for your report on this remarkable chapter in naval history. Hats off again, Dr. Felton, for your efforts.