01-2019 ORP "ŚLĄZAK"

ORP Ślązak (original name: HMS Bedale) was a British and later Polish destroyer from the Second World War. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 85.3 meters and a width of 9.6 meters. Full displacement reached approx. 1,490 tons, and the maximum speed was approx. 27 knots. The armament included 6 102 mm guns in three twin turrets, 4 20 mm Oerlikon cannons, and depth charges. ORP Ślązak was one of 36 Hunt II-class destroyers. This type of units was built in connection with the Royal Navy's desire to acquire two basic types of destroyers in the late 1930s: the first type was to be a typical destroyer with strong weapons, adapted to work with other, larger ships, and the second type - the Hunt - it was to be smaller and dedicated to escort tasks and ZOP activities (fighting submarines). The Hunt II type was a development of the Hunt I type. Compared to its predecessor, it was primarily characterized by stronger anti-submarine weapons and an increased width. ORP Ślązak entered service in Polish Navy in April 1942. In the course of his long and fruitful service, he covered mainly the Atlantic convoys, but he also took part in convoy operations towards Gibraltar. The unit was also used during the British raid on Dieppe in 1942, as well as during Operation Husky in July 1943 (Allied landing in Sicily). ORP Ślązak also participated in the Normandy landings in 1944. After World War II, the ship served in the Royal Navy from 1946-1953, and later in the Indian Navy until 1976.