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Search the Public Notice PortalPart of Southampton's D-Day history has been rescued after sitting partly submerged in the River Test for half more than a century.
One of the few surviving Whale bridges used by the invading troops was lifted out of the water in a floodlit operation carried out by Associated British Ports (ABP).
It took place at Town Quay, close to the spot where a huge number of soldiers left for the Normandy beaches in 1944.
The Whale was hoisted out of the river by a huge crane and lowered on to a lorry. Later this week it will be transported to Marchwood, where it will be restored and put on display.
Its new home will be Solent Gateway, formerly known as Marchwood Military Port, where the structure is thought to have been built.
Richard Parkinson, Solent Gateway port director said: "Returning this historic structure to the military community that originally built it for the D-Day invasion is a way of reconnecting with our past and paying tribute to the extraordinary efforts of those who served.”
Whales formed part of the floating Mulberry harbours, which enabled the Allies to re-supply troops without having to capture a heavily fortified port.
READ MORE: ABP unveils plan to rescue D-Day structure currently rotting at Town Quay
Earlier this year, ABP asked Southampton City Council and New Forest District Council for planning permission to move the 81-year-old bridge from Southampton to Marchwood.
The applications were welcomed by Richard Palusinski, chairman of the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
He said: "Items like this are a tangible link to the D Day landings and the battle for Normandy.
"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 scheme was approved by Southampton City Council in July and New Forest District Council also gave it the green light.
A report to district councillors said: "The [proposed] relocation provides an increased capacity to both view and maintain the structure."
According to Historic England, it is not clear if the Whale was used in the D-Day landings or held in reserve as a spare.
The bridge was installed at Town Quay about 75 years ago and was used by passengers getting on and off the Isle of Wight ferry.
It is thought to have fallen into disuse more than 50 years ago.
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