Franciszek Pitulko, ORP
| Born | 18 Oct 1908 | ||
| Died | 17 Feb 1978 | (69) | London, England, U.K. |
| Ranks
Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for Franciszek Pitulko, ORP
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| ORP Piorun (G 65) | Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) | Destroyer | 21 Dec 1941 | 17 Jan 1942 |
| ORP Burza (H 73) | Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) | Destroyer | 6 Aug 1942 | 26 Jun 1944 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Destroyer ORP Burza (H 73)
3 Dec 1942
Burza (Kapitan Marynarki Pitulko) was part of Escort Group B-6 commanded by Cdr. Ralph Heathcote, R.N. in the British destroyer HMS Fame. The Escort Group escorted convoy HX-217 to Great Britain.
7 Dec 1942
At night the convoy was attacked by U-boats. Burza encountered the enemy twice. The first U-boat was attacked by salvo of 10 depth charges and forced to retreat. The second was spotted on the surface by lookouts. Kapitan Marynarki Pitulko ordered to attack the submarine with torpedoes(!), however enemy vessel managed to dive before the attack occurred. Instead of torpedoes, depth charges were dropped. After this attack the contact was lost.
9 Dec 1942
Around 2200hours the sonar operator on Burza detected a submerged U-boat. After short pursuit the contact was lost. Few minutes later another submarine was detected, this time on the surface at 900-1000 meters. The Polish destroyer tried to ram the enemy, but the German vessel managed to dive. 10 depth charges were dropped. (1)
14 Dec 1942
The convoy reached the Clyde. It's escorts entered Greenock harbour. (1)
20 Dec 1942
Escort Group B-6 (with Burza) left the Clyde with a convoy bound for Canada.
(1)
31 Dec 1942
The convoy reached St. John's, Canada. (1)
11 Jan 1943
Escort Group B-6, including the Polish destroyer Burza, leaves Canada escorting convoy SC-116 to Great Britain. (1)
27 Jan 1943
Convoy SC-116 arrived in Greenock.
(1)
21 Feb 1943
Burza was ordered to join the Escort Group A-3 (commanded by Cdr. Paul Heineman) which was escorting convoy ON-166. (1)
22 Feb 1943 (position 47.44, -33.43)
During the defence of convoy ON-166 German U-boat U-606 was sunk in the North Atlantic east of Newfoundland, in position 47°44'N, 33°43'W, by depth charges from the US Coast Guard cutter USS Campbell and the Polish destroyer Burza.
During the night Burza detected a submerged submarine and attacked her twice with 20 depth charges. The U-boat was damaged and forced to surface. Then she was shelled with Anti-Aircraft guns and had to dive again. Contact was lost. Shortly after that, the U-boat surfaced again, and was spotted by the US Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WPG 32), which shelled and rammed the submarine. The heavily damaged U-boat managed to stay on the surface, but was unable to move and fight. The American cutter was also seriously damaged due to ramming. Her commanding officer (Cdr. James Hirshfield) asked for help. Burza answered her call and rushed to the scene. The Polish destroyer provided cover for USCG Spencer until 04.00 AM the next day when she stopped and picked up 7 survivors from U-606. The Polish destroyer again provided cover for the USCG cutter until the evening. Then, due to fuel shortage, she headed for St. John's, Canada.
22 Feb 1943 (position 48.00, -34.00)
Around 1300 hours Burza torpedoed and sank the heavily damaged Norwegian whale factory ship N.T. Nielsen-Alonso. (1)
27 Feb 1943
Burza arrived at St. John's, Canada with only 2.5 tons of fuel left in tanks. (1)
Sources
- Personal communication
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