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Location
Francki Place, Town Square, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 IWM War Memorials Archive Record Not yet recorded by the War Memorials Archive Historic England Listing Status This structure is not Listed. Description Memorial plaque commemorating the Commander of the Polish ship ORP Blyskawica. Unveiled by his daughter Janina Doroszkowska at a ceremony on 3rd May 2004. |
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Memorial
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Inscription
FRANCKI PLACE THIS AREA IS NAMED AFTER CAPTAIN WOJCIECH FRANCKI PN, DSC. COMMANDER OF THE POLISH DESTROYER ORP BLYSKAWICA (LIGHTNING) BUILT IN THE SHIPYARD OF J.S. WHITE, COWES IN 1936. ON THE NIGHT OF 4TH/5TH MAY 1942 WHILST O.R.P. BLYSKAWICA WAS IN COWES FOR REPAIRS CAPTAIN FRANCKI, OF HIS OWN VOLITION, ORDERED HIS SHIP TO REMAIN ARMED TO DEFEND COWES IN ANTICIPATION OF AN ENEMY ATTACK. THE INITIATIVE AND LEADERSHIP OF CAPTAIN FRANCKI ENABLED THE BRAVE POLISH CREW TO REPEL THE LUFTWAFFE'S INTENSIVE AERIAL ATTACK THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT SO THAT THE LOSS TO THIS COMMUNITY WAS DRAMATICALLY REDUCED. SUCH FRIENDSHIP AND VALOUR FORMS THAT INDELIBLE PART OF OUR TOWN'S HISTORY, EVER TO BE PRAISED, NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. Further Information
See also the Cowes Blitz plaque : |
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Page last updated : 16 May 2008