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ORP Gryf was launched on 29.IX.1936, in Chantiers Augustin Normand in La Havre, under command of cmdr. Stanislaw Dzienisiewicz. On 6.III.1938 Gryf sailed into Gdynia harbour. From April 1938 to August ship was taking intensive drills, working at the sea.
 | | Gryf during drills |
From 1.IV.1939 new commander was appointed - cmdr. Stefan Kwiatkowski. On 31.VIII.1939 Gryf was turned back from the shores of Lithuania and arrived at Gdynia on 1.IX.1939.
After morning bombardment ship received order of taking mines from barges at Jastarnia. On 4pm Gryf sailed out from Gdynia harbour, escorted by Wicher, 4 minesweepers and 2 gunboats, for Operation "Rurka" - placing mine pole near Polish shore. Shortly afterward Polish ships were attacked by 33 Ju87B from 4th Squadron of the 1st Training Unit. None of the enemy bombs hit the target. After 3 hours of the air raids the fought was over (click here for the plan of the battle). From Polish ships Mewa was seriously damaged by the fall of near bomb, and Gryf was also damaged. The rudder was working only onto the one side, 21 sailors were dead including commandor Kwiatkowski. After death of commander his deputy throw out to the water all 300 mines for the mine poles. At 9pm ship arrived at the Hela port, the new commander was appointed cmdr. Stanislaw Hryniewiecki. The Naval Headquarters decided that Gryf and Wicher will be floating batteries staying in the Hela port.
On 2.IX.1939 Gryf was preparing to the new role. In the morning of 3.IX.1939 Polish ship staying in the port were attacked by two enemy destroyers: Leberecht Maas and Wolfgang Zenker. First received a hit in the B turret, killing 4 and wounding another 4. At 9am Gryf and Wicher were sunk by enemy diving bombers from 4th Tragergruppe. Wreck of the Gryf was burning until the 5.IX.1939 when 3 stern guns were disassemble and mounted as land artillery battery.
Wreck of the ship was towed by the Germans onto the shallow in the Puck Bay. After war in 1957 wreck of Gryf was refitted and scrapped.
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