ABP unveils plan to save Whale bridge rotting at Town Quay

Temporary bridges known as Whales formed part of the floating Mulberry harbours, which enabled the Allies to re-supply invading troops without having to capture a heavily fortified port.

One of the few surviving Whales is lying partly submerged beside the Red Funnel ferry terminal at Town Quay.

Now, Associated British Ports (ABP) has applied for planning permission to transport the rotting relic to Marchwood Port, carry out restoration work, and put it on show to the public.

ABP says it hopes to "initiate the relocation process" in time for the VE Day anniversary celebrations on May 8.

The Whale is next to the Red Funnel ferry terminal at Town Quay (Image: Associated British Ports)

According to Historic England, it is not clear if the Whale was towed to Normandy in 1944 or was held in reserve as a spare.

It was installed at Town Quay about 75 years ago and used by passengers getting on and off the Isle of Wight ferry.

READ MORE: Bridge built to form part of Mulberry harbour 'rotting' at Town Quay in Southampton

The planning application cites "strong public interest" in saving the Whale, but says Southampton City Council is not in a position to acquire and maintain the historic structure.

ABP aims to retain ownership of the Whale and embark on the long-term preservation of the "nationally important" asset.

If the scheme goes ahead, it will be lifted out of the water, taken to Marchwood on a flatbed trailer, and displayed on a plinth.

The Whale is next to the Red Funnel ferry terminal at Town Quay (Image: Associated British Ports)

The application says: "It is proposed to site the Whale near the entrance of Marchwood Port where it can be seen by not only visitors [to the port] but also members of the public.

"An information board outlining the structure’s heritage and contribution to the D-Day landings will also be clearly sited."

Most of the Whales were built at Marchwood, which played a pivotal role in the build-up to D-Day.

The application says: "In relocating the structure, we will be returning the Whale to its origins and connecting the modern military to its history.

"The bridge will be positioned in an elevated position making it visible from both the road and the barracks."

READ MORE: Public urged to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day by staging street parties

Richard Palusinski, chairman of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, welcomed the proposals put forward by ABP.

He said: "Items like this are a tangible link to the D Day landings and the battle for Normandy.

"It was an outstanding feat of design and engineering to make a temporary port that could be towed over to Normandy and assembled in place.

"The remains of the Mulberry harbour at Arromanches are slowly degrading and will eventually be lost altogether, so this project is vital in maintaining a visible link to such an important part of our history.

"The Normandy landings and the subsequent battle for Normandy cost over 22,000 lives of those under British command and this was only the first step to the liberation of Europe. 

"It is essential that we take every opportunity to preserve items that help us to understand the enormity of the task and not to take for granted the peace we have enjoyed over the past 80 years.

"As the brave men and women who fought for our freedom pass from our presence we must do all in our power to retain the objects that provide a link to that important part of our history."

He said: "Items like this are a tangible link to the D-Day landings and the battle for Normandy.

"It's essential we take every opportunity to preserve items that help us understand the enormity of the task and not take for granted the peace we have enjoyed over the past 80 years."

Marchwood county councillor David Harrison has also welcomed ABP's application.

He said: "This comes as a pleasant surprise. It's an interesting relic that dates back to Operation Overlord, a reminder of the key role this area contributed to the effort in the Second World War.

"It will also help tidy up the area of the Town Quay."