An on-board log from the ORP “Dzik”, a legendary submarine, which during planet War II operated, among others, in the Mediterranean, went to the Naval Museum. It was donated by a retired naval officer. He bought the paper himself at the Dominican Fair in Gdańsk.
On board “Wilka” in February 1944 in Port Saida.
– This is simply a real treat to us. Artefacts related to the ORP “Wik” are very few. Until recently, we did not really know that the ship's diary had survived to our time," admits Tomasz Miegoń, manager Naval Museum in Gdynia. As it turns out – he survived, and in good condition. Tom's complete, there's no scrapes on paper. Of course, it requires cleaning and maintenance, but with specified an easy paper it is average – the manager points out.
The diary has 32 pages. It was written in February 1943. Officers of the watch noted in it, among others, the current position of the ship, the speed, the course, as well as the conditions under which the shipping took place. – From these entries we can learn that at the beginning of the year they were alternatively beneficial for the ship. Wind force oscillated around two–three degrees on the Beaufort scale, the condition of the sea mostly did not exceed two," Miegoń explains. He besides adds that a real taste for museums is the signature of the crowning document. It was submitted by the commanding officer of Captain Mar. Bolesław Romanowski, 1 of the most celebrated Polish submariners, who later commanded besides the destroyer ORP LightningAfter his death, he became the patron of the 3rd Fleet of Ships in Gdynia.
The diary went to the museum thanks to a private donor. “I came across it respective years ago, and it was decided by a pure case”, admits Marek Dzierwa, until late the owner of the document. I served as an officer on submarines for years. I collect from sentiment various kinds of souvenirs related to these individuals. I besides frequently visit the Dominican Fair in Gdańsk. 1 day I dug up a diary from a pile of newspapers and books spread over 1 of the stalls. I don't think his owner knew how valuable a souvenir he had in his hands. I bought a diary from him and joined my collection – says Dzierwa. Why did he yet decide to hand him over to the museum, and for free? - Well, years fly, you start reasoning about things... 1 day, I looked at the journal, and I thought, "There's no point in him getting yellow in the privacy of the house." That it would be better if it was put in the hands of professionals and was shown to a wider audience. possibly individual will realize the importance of submarines in our history... And how much we request them now He's smiling.
ORP “Dzik” was a U-type ship constructed in the UK. On board, he carried 8 torpedoes, which the crew fired from 4 placed on the bow of the launcher. The unit was equipped with a 76-millimeter cannon and 2 7.7 mm device guns. The crew consisted of nearly 40 officers, officers, and sailors.
"Dzik" entered service in December 1942. On 30 January 1943, he embarked on his first combat patrol off the coast of Norway. He was shortly besides directed to the Mediterranean. In May, he checked in to Malta, which became a departure base for the crew for respective months. The “Wik” circled around Italy and confederate France, spreading panic among enemy units. He secured the Allied landing in Sicily, hitting ships carrying military supplies and soldiers themselves. The crew frequently took a considerable risk. This was at least in the vicinity of Corsican Bastia, where “Dzik” entered the port red and torpedoed the freighter that evacuated the Wehrmacht units. The ship was immobilized in port heads while blocking the exit to the sea to another units.
In September 1943, after the surrender of Italy, the Polish ship was searched to Beirut and began operating in the Aegean Sea. Its goal remained invariably the units under German command. Invariably, the “Wilka” crew was very effective. In a short time, she sent down respective ships from Greece.
A full of 5 ships and 3 landing ferries sank during the ORP mission in the Mediterranean, and besides severely damaged 1 transport. On many another units he forced a change of course or simply forced them to flee. The Allies spoke of the Polish unit with large respect. The word “Terrible Twins” or “Terrible Twins” was shortly attached to the “Wild” and duplicate ORP “Sokół”, which besides operated in this area of the world.
In the spring of 1944, “Dzik” returned to Britain. By the end of the war, he was only on training trips. In July 1946, a white-red flag was left on it for the last time. The ship went under the wings of the Royal Navy and then landed in Denmark. For respective years he served in the navy there, yet in the fall of 1957 he was retired from service, and a fewer months later he was scrapped.
