For Mrs Kennedy (71), who lives in Gibb Square, Hartlepool, was a nurse at St Hilda’s Hospital, Hartlepool, when the survivors of the sunken Polish vessel, the Pilsudki, were brought ashore.

And she obtained all the autographs of the Polish seamen.

Yesterday’s ceremony was held at the graveside of the captain of the Pilsudski, Mamert Stankiewicz, who became a Polish national hero after his vessel had hit a mine.

He remained aboard until the last of his crew had scrambled to safety on a raft, and as a result lost his life.

Mrs Kennedy, naturally does not remember the captain, but she was able to hand her book of autographs to one of the Poles at the cemetery.

The Poles arrived in Hartlepool to witness the fulfilment of a vow made at the graveside 34 years ago by K. O. Borchard, chief officer of the Pilsudski, and an old pupil of the captain when he was master of a cadet training ship.

Mr Borchard vowed that he would write a book about his captain, and true to his word the result, “Beloved Skipper” became a best seller in Poland in 1961.

A special tablet, giving details of the vow and fulfilment, was yesterday placed on the grave.

Mrs Kennedy’s autograph book was handed to one of the Poles who visited the grave from Leicester and will eventually reach the dead captain’s brother in Poland.

She recalls the survivors being brought to the hospital.

“They were all frostbitten, and some lost fingers and toes” she said.

“Nobody knows exactly what happened to the captain although I have heard it said that he broke his neck when he jumped off the ship.”

It was on November 27, 1939, that the pilsudski, a Polish liner, struck the mine. It was carrying a crew of 181, including 14 Britons.

Survivors later told dramatic stories of how the vessel was crippled by successive explosions; and of the bravery of the 58-year old captain.

Since then, whenever a Polish vessel comes into Hartlepool, the crew visit his grave and lay a wreath.