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ORP RYS
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from url: www.fuw.edu.pl/~janbart/AB/Pln/Flota_Morska/History/Ships/Sub004_1.html
Launched on 22.IV.1929 as ORP Rys, in Chantiers de La Noire in
Nantes, after four years of constructions ship was finally completed and
transferred to Polish Navy. The first commander of the ship was appointed
lt-cmdr. Edward Szystowski. On 14.VIII.1931 Rys sailed into Gdynia as
first Polish submarine ever, welcomed by enthusiastic crowd. In November
Rys sailed to French with crew for second unit of the Wilk class
submarines - Wilk. In January 1932 Rys returned to yard for
several essential repairs. On 1.V.1932 ship received identification mark "R"
(from first letter of her name Rys). In the end of 1932 Rys with
two other submarines, from the Submarine Division sail into Stockholm with
courteous visit. In May 1933 new commander of the ship was appointed - lt-cmdr.
Aleksander Grochowski. During 1935 and 1936 ship was taking intensive drills and
making some visits in foreign harbours. On 1.IV.1936 while staying in Gdynia,
one of the batteries explode hurting 13 sailors. On 1.VII.1937 the
identification mark was removed.
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- On 24.VIII.1939 the mobilization was declared, ship took 6 torpedoes (plus 4
extra), 22 mines and 114 shells for 100 mm gun. On 1.IX.1939 when the war broke
out, according to "Operation Worek" Rys was patrolling area in Danzig
Bay. In the way to its sector Rys spotted few German minesweepers and
destroyers Wolfgang Zenker and Erich Steinbrinck. Next day
Rys
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| Rys arriving
Gdynia |
was attacked by a bomber, and received
some damages (especially leaking fuel tanks). During 3.IX.1939 Rys
was trailed by enemy forces. On 4.IX.1939 Rys was forced to surface, and
open fire to German Schnellboat which after short fight withdraw. Same day
Rys spotted a periscope to which she fired two torpedoes. The rest of the
day Rys was attacked by German bombers and minor vessels because the leak
of the oil mark the way of the Polish submarine. Shortly afterwards Rys
was again forced to surface, but this time good luck favour to Polish submarine,
the sea was empty. Although clear objection from KMW Rys sail into Gdynia
harbor for repairs on night 4/5.IX.1939. Rys returned to his patrol area
on 7.IX.1939, when she placed her mine pole consisting of 10 mines (not 20 like
others because the placing of the mines was interrupted by enemy). On 12.IX.1939
according to new directions Rys was displacement North to the coasts of
Sweden. On 17.IX.1939 Rys was interned in Stavans in Sweden. Ship was
disarmed and immobilized. In April 1940 Rys, Wilk and Zbik
were moved to Vaxholm. During internation Rys was docked twice in June
1942 and May 1944.
- On 5.IX.1945 Polish Sea Mission took over Polish submarines from Swedish and
on 25.X.1945 Rys returned to Gdynia. On 30.XI.1945 Rys was
officially enlisted into Polish Republic Navy under command of lt-cmdr. Jozef
Wierzchowski. From July 1946 to February 1947 ship was staying in repairs. In
1948 torpedo tubes were converted to Russian type, the MG were removed. In
September 1953 Rys was moved to reserve and soon in 1956 was scrapped.
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