News
Col. Otton Hulacki
It is with great sadness that The Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society announces the loss of its co- founder and past president Col. Otton Hulacki who passed away on the Isle of Wight, his home for many decades, on 25th ≈September.
Otton was born in Lwów Poland on the 2nd January 1922 and this year saw his 101st birthday.
The Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society was formed in 1997 and prior to this in 1992 Otton played a major role in bringing to Cowes the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the defence of Cowes and East Cowes. Since that time Otton had worked tirelessly for the society as well as giving immeasurable support to numerous associations and organisations. Otton’s energies were unbounded throughout his life. He joined the Polish resistance at the age of 17 at the outbreak of the Second World War and was later captured by Russian troops and incarcerated in Siberia. Released following a wartime treaty with the Allies, he came to England and joined the Polish Armed Forces in the West. He was engaged in the battles at Monte Casino, Aconia and Bolognia. On many occasions, even in his latter years, he went to the Monte Casino commemoration events. He was a much decorated and respected war veteran.
Otton was instrumental in organising and fund raising for the restoration of the Polish memorial in Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth, which recognises an earlier conflict whereby 212 Polish soldiers, escaping Russian tyranny in 1834, found sanctuary in that city.
He was an active member of the Friends of Polish Veterans Association in Southampton and Medical Aid for Poland Fund. His contribution towards Anglo Polish relationships was immense and he had, post war, strongly promoted the preservation of Polish heritage and values.
He will, undoubtedly, be missed by his family and those many ‘Blyskawica’ society members and numerous friends and acquaintances made along the way. It has been a pleasure, honour and reward to have shared a small part of that greatly fulfilled life with him.
Geoff Banks MBE
President – Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society.
MAY COMMEMORATIONS 2024
This year’s commemorations in Cowes and East Cowes will mostly follow the usual programme.
Saturday 4th May:
10.30 am: guided East Cowes Blitz Walk from the Heritage Centre, 8 Clarence Road, finishing at 12 noon at Kingston Cemetary, when the names of East Cowes Blitz victims will be read out. There will also be a minute’s silence.
2 pm: wreath laying at the Blyskawica/Grom plaque in Kings Square East Cowes (by Waitrose)
Sunday 5th May:
2 pm: Service of Commemoration and wreath-laying at the Bandstand, Cowes Parade (we are hoping that Cowes Royal British Legion Band will play for us from 1.30 pm)