The story of ORP „Orzeł”, the legendary Polish submarine of the Second World War, is a remarkable chapter in the shared maritime history of Poland and Scotland.

Following her daring escape from internment in Tallinn in September 1939, ORP „Orzeł” reached Scotland and continued her wartime service alongside the Royal Navy. In June 1940, the submarine was declared lost after failing to return from patrol in the North Sea. Her final resting place remains unknown.

In 2027, a Garden of Remembrance dedicated to ORP „Orzeł” and her crew is planned to open in Rosyth, Scotland. The initiative was started by Roger Pickering, whose commitment to preserving the memory of the Polish sailors has been instrumental in bringing this important commemoration forward. The official opening is being organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh. 

Two Shores Polish–Scottish Cultural Association is developing a special cultural and educational programme to accompany this historic occasion.

Our plans include performances by the renowned Zawisza Czarny Male Sea Shanty Choir from Gdynia, a bilingual historical exhibition at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine, and a programme of talks, presentations and educational workshops for schools and local communities.

Working with the Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia, Scottish Maritime Museum, SANTI / Odnaleźć Orła and other collaborators, we aim to bring the extraordinary story of ORP „Orzeł” to a wider audience and strengthen the cultural and historical connections between Poland and Scotland.

This project is about more than remembering a submarine. It is about honouring the courage and sacrifice of her crew, preserving a shared chapter of history and ensuring that their story continues to inspire future generations.