The last surviving crew member of the Polish naval ship that helped Clydebank during the Blitz nearly 82 years ago has been remembered following his death.

Richard Polanski was a member of the crew on board the ORP Piorun, the Polish warship that was undergoing repairs at the John Brown shipyard when the Luftwaffe’s bombs began falling on the town on March 13, 1941.

The efforts of the Piorun’s crew in defending the town from the German bombers ensured the ship, and the men who served on her, have retained a special place in Bankies’ affections ever since the attacks.

During a full meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council on December 21, Provost Douglas McAllister announced the sad news of Mr Polanski's death and asked members to observe a moment of silence in remembrance.

The council chambers then fell in silence as they honoured Mr Polanski, who was 101 years old.

Mr Polanski was actually on his way from Clydebank to a dance in Glasgow when the first incendiaries began landing on the town 81 years ago – but immediately realising what was happening, he raced back to his ship to do what he could to help.

In November 2021, he was among the guests of honour at a special concert marking the 80th anniversary of the devastating attacks at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

During that visit, Mr Polanski and his family visited the Polish war memorial in Clydebank, where a special model of the Piorun – which was made for the 75th anniversary commemorations of the Blitz in 2016 – was brought out of storage by the council especially for him.

It was reportedly the first time he’d been back in the town since the war.

Clydebank’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes paid tribute to an important man in the areas history.

He told the Post: “Richard’s death marks the end of a chapter in the history of our burgh.

“It also marks our continuing commitment to commemorate not only him but all those who were on the Piorun.

“As a Member of Parliament, I pay my condolences to his family, to the wider Polish community and we will continue to remember him and all those who suffered and died due to the Clydebank Blitz as we move forward.”

Clydebank's MSP Marie McNair also added her tributes to the Post.

She said: "The news that Mr Polanski has passed away is very sad. Alongside his colleagues, he showed immense bravery in the way he responded to the Luftwaffe's attack on our Town. 

"It was an immense honour to meet him just last year and convey my appreciation during the 80th anniversary of the Blitz. 

"His actions have led to a strong bond with the Polish people. This relationship will endure for many years to come. It is right and proper that we stop to mark his passing and continue to remember what he did to try and protect the people of Clydebank."

He spent his last years at his home in Caithness and at the time of his last visit to Clydebank, his daughter-in-law Elaine Polanski told the Post he had always intended to return to the town.

She said: “We’d always had it in mind to go back to Clydebank and see what the town looks like now.

“I put a post on Facebook and hundreds of people got in touch to suggest what to do while he was here.

“He didn’t realise how much people still cared. He said ‘I can’t believe people are saying all these things about me’. He was so touched that people still remember.”

As a result of the air raid on Clydebank in March 1941, the town was largely destroyed as it suffered the worst destruction and civilian loss of life in all of Scotland.

Out of 12,000 houses, only a handful were undamaged.