You will see Royal Navy ship HMS Belfast being taken to London to become a floating museum back in 1971, several tugs helping HMS Eagle to the dockside as she was to be scrapped back in 1972, a fabulous image of HMS Invincible being nudged info place as massive crowds watched her return from the Falklands in 1982 and the sad tale of HMS Gladiator back in 1908. A larger vessel, the SS Saint Paul, collided with her in a snowstorm off the Isle of Wight, she was brought into Portsmouth and assisted by several tugboats and other vessels as people mourned the loss of some of the crew.
1. Tugboats assisting in the past
De-masted three decker in Portsmouth Harbour.This marvellous photograph of a Nelsonian/Napolionic wooden wall was loaned to us by William Tofts of Copnor. We don't believe it's HMS Victory, but could be. The steam tugs are assisting alongside. Photo: The News archive
2. Tugboats assisting in the past
HMS Invicible is nudged into place by tugs as she returns to Portsmouth in September 1982 after the Falklands. The News PP695 Photo: The News archive
3. Tugboats assisting in the past
Paddle tug in No.2 dry dock Portsmouth dockyard. Picture: Barry Cox postcard collection. Photo: The News archive
4. Tugboats assisting in the past
HMS Gladiator passing Victoria Pier en-route to Portsmouth Dockyard.Being assisted by tugs and associated vessels HMS Gladiator is assisted into Portsmouth Harbour. People watch on from Victoria Pier. HMS Gladiator Portsmouth-based cruiser and American steamer SS Saint Paul collided in a snowstorm off the Isle of Wight on April 25 in 1908. One officer and 28 men in total had died, most of them drowned. Strangely, the SS Saint Paul capsized and sank in New York Harbour on 25 April, 1918, exactly 10 years after HMS Gladiator sank. Picture: Paul Costen collection Photo: The News archive