"Orzel's" Patrol   Eryk Sopocko  "ORZEL'S" PATROL CONTENTS: Author's note Outbreak of war Escape from Tallin The first link with Britain Before the patrol On the way to our sector Our first victim More torpedoes Massed attacks against us We change sector A hot day The return Contact TO ALL THOSE WHO DID NOT RETURN The Story of the Polish Submarine by Eryk K. S. Sopocko Sub-Lieutenant, Polish Navy AUTHOR'S NOTE Orzel's Patrol is my first book. I do not look upon it as 'just a book'; rather as an experience ever vital for me. Eighteen days in the life of a small group of people is its subject. Why do I record their happenings? Simply to present to the British-speaking public the ordinary everyday life of the crew of a Po1ish submarine. But not just any submarine, for Orzel became for us Poles a cherished symbol. This story is true in every detail. I hope the griefs, joys, experiences and impressions of her men, linked together by the present war - 'a war without precept' - will interest readers. Moreover, I wish to awaken in their hearts a warm regard for the Orzel and her men, in spite of their different language and customs. The writing and publication of this book in the English language have been made possible by the efficient help of Sub-Lieutenant W. Wcislicki, who aided its translation; Lieutenant D. B. Neale, R.N.R.; Rev. P. Whitestone, R.N.; Dom. J. Grimbaldeston, O.S.B., and Surg.-Lieutenant (D) B. Collins, R.N., in the smoothing out process. Many hours of their watch below were spent in this work. I take this opportunity to thank them all for giving me the benefit of their experiences and the privilege of their friendship. E. K. S. ATLANTIC OCEAN Summer, 1941 © Modern Naval Warfare