22 incredible photos showing the history of Whale Island

HMS Excellent, cadets, dive tank, the zoo and some interesting mascots all feature in our look at the history of Whale Island.

By Steve Deeks

Published 16th Jul 2020, 17:17 BST

Updated 27th Oct 2023, 11:59 BST

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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?

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MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Southsea dinosaur | The old Portsmouth power station | Changing face of Milton

August 1927: Annie the pig doesn't see the joke being shared by a sailor and a mate at the pig farm run by the navy, at HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, where they also have their own zoo.

1. Whale Island Portsmouth

August 1927: Annie the pig doesn't see the joke being shared by a sailor and a mate at the pig farm run by the navy, at HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, where they also have their own zoo. Photo: The News archive

The White Force hauls a gun out of the mud and on to Whale Island during the Great War in 1904.

2. Whale Island Portsmouth

The White Force hauls a gun out of the mud and on to Whale Island during the Great War in 1904. Photo: The News archive

Royal navy divers training in the tank which was then at Whale Island, Portsmouth, about 1907.

3. Whale Island Portsmouth

Royal navy divers training in the tank which was then at Whale Island, Portsmouth, about 1907. Photo: The News archive

Mess deck HMS Excellent. Here we see a spotless mess deck at HMS Excellent, Whale Island. To the rear are hammocks stored in racks.

4. Whale Island Portsmouth

Mess deck HMS Excellent. Here we see a spotless mess deck at HMS Excellent, Whale Island. To the rear are hammocks stored in racks. Photo: The News archive

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