Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:41:29-1:42:08

ORP Blyskawica as the oldest preserved destroyer

The 1937 Polish destroyer ORP Blyskawica survives as a museum ship after extensive Second World War service alongside British forces.

DestroyersMuseum ShipsORP BlyskawicaPolish NavyWorld War II
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Question

Is the Polish destroyer ORP Blyskawica the oldest surviving destroyer?

Short answer

Yes; the 1937 ship survives as a museum and had a substantial wartime career alongside Royal Navy destroyers.

Notes

ORP Blyskawica is identified as the oldest surviving destroyer. HMS Belfast is older, but she survives as a light cruiser of a different type. The Polish ship's wartime career repeatedly placed her alongside Tribal-class destroyers. Blyskawica offers a preserved hull through which to explore the destroyer war at close range.