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

14 incredible photos showing the impressive Whale Island

By Steve Deeks
Published 16th Jul 2020, 17:17 GMT
Updated 6th May 2025, 17:55 GMT

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?

If you would like to see more nostalgic photos of Portsmouth, make sure you join our retro Facebook group.

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

circa 1910: Naval cadets being trained on Whale Island, Portsmouth.

9. Whale Island Portsmouth

circa 1910: Naval cadets being trained on Whale Island, Portsmouth. Photo: The News archive

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British naval cadets being trained on Whale Island, Hampshire, England, circa 1910. Photo by F.J. Mortimer.

10. Whale Island Portsmouth

British naval cadets being trained on Whale Island, Hampshire, England, circa 1910. Photo by F.J. Mortimer. Photo: The News archive

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The lion on top of the drill shed, HMS Excellent, Whale Island.

11. Whale Island Portsmouth

The lion on top of the drill shed, HMS Excellent, Whale Island. Photo: The News archive

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The Pet Cemetery, HMS Excellent, Whale Island.

12. Whale Island Portsmouth

The Pet Cemetery, HMS Excellent, Whale Island. Photo: The News archive

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