22 incredible photos showing the history of Whale Island I never knew existed
By Steve Deeks
Published 16th Jul 2020, 17:17 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2024, 10:26 BST
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HMS Excellent, cadets, dive tank, the zoo and some interesting mascots all feature in our look at the history of Whale Island.
This area of Portsmouth has quite a varied past and you can see more in our gallery below.
Although you will likely have spotted Whale Island as you drive into Portsmouth via the motorway, how much do you know about its history?
3rd November 1931: A diver tests out his diving suit on the British naval training vessel HMS Excellent, situated on Whale Island in Portsmouth. Photo: The News archive
Barbara the polar bear cub was rescued from drifting ice off Greenland during WW2. The officers took her on-board their cruiser & made her their mascot, when she outgrew her accommodation she was dropped off on Whale Island where the sailors zoo had been established since 1893. In 1975 the Royal Navy banned the practice of taking animal mascots to sea. Photo: The News archive
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