Polish submarine ORP Orzeł enters Tallinn harbour

The Polish submarine ORP Orzeł entered Tallinn harbour in neutral Estonia for repairs during a period of heightened tensions in Europe. This event occurred amidst the backdrop of World War II, as Poland faced aggression from both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The ORP Orzeł had been interned in Estonia, which was a neutral country at the time, following the outbreak of hostilities. The submarine's entry into Tallinn was significant as it represented a strategic move for the Polish Navy, allowing them to maintain operational capabilities despite the challenging geopolitical landscape. The Estonian government faced accusations from the Soviet news agency TASS, which claimed that they had intentionally allowed the submarine to escape internment, suggesting a level of complicity that could have further strained relations with the Soviet Union. This incident highlighted the precarious position of smaller nations caught between larger powers during the war, as well as the complexities of international neutrality in times of conflict. The ORP Orzeł's escape and subsequent repairs in Tallinn were crucial for the Polish forces, as they sought to continue their naval operations against Axis powers, contributing to the broader Allied efforts in the region.