By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders will gather this weekend to mark the anniversary of the Blitz on Cowes and East Cowes, with a series of commemorative events taking place Saturday and Sunday to honour those who defended the towns and those who lost their lives in the raids of May 4-5, 1942.
The programme, organised by the Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society, pays tribute to the Polish destroyer ORP Blyskawica, built in Cowes and commanded by Capt Francki, whose actions during the attack helped save countless lives. The weekend will also remember the loss of her sister ship, ORP Grom, sunk on May 4, 1940.
Tomorrow in East Cowes, a short service and wreath‑laying will take place at Kingston Cemetery at noon, followed by a commemorative ceremony at King’s Square at 2pm.
In Cowes tomorrow evening, Holy Trinity Church will host a 6.15pm concert by trio Aria di Corda, performing Chopin songs. Tickets are £10 at the door.
On Sunday, wreaths will be laid at Francki Place at 12pm, accompanied by the Medina Marching Band. The main commemoration follows at 2pm at the Cowes Parade bandstand, with representatives from Poland’s diplomatic corps, military personnel, civic dignitaries, and guests joining for a service, national anthems, and speeches recounting the events of the wartime blitz.
Mal Butler