The 82nd anniversary of the defence of Cowes and East Cowes, by the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica, was commemorated at the weekend.

On the night of May 4, 1942, into the morning of May 5, German bombers targeted the sky over the Isle of Wight's two towns, killing 70 people.

The ORP Błyskawica and her sister ship ORP Grom were built at local shipyard J.S. White & Co.

The ORP Błyskawica, which was undergoing work on the River Medina at the time of the attack, turned her guns on the bombers, saving lives and property.

Isle of Wight County Press: Polish nationals from Southampton and other parts of the UK came to the Island to join the commemorations.Polish nationals from Southampton and other parts of the UK came to the Island to join the commemorations. (Image: Pamela Parker)

She is currently on display in Poland and strong ties between the two communities remain. 

ORP Grom was lost in Rombaken Fjord in Norway on May 4, 1940, and was also remembered.

The commemoration event went ahead on Sunday, May 5, on the bandstand on Cowes Parade, where memorial plaques dedicated to both destroyers were placed.

Pictures by Pamela Parker.

Isle of Wight County Press: Three of the crew of the O.R.P. Blyskawica who came over from Poland for the occasion. The ship is still in service in Poland as a museum ship.Three of the crew of the O.R.P. Blyskawica who came over from Poland for the occasion. The ship is still in service in Poland as a museum ship. (Image: Pamela Parker)