Reopening of HDS Diving Museum
3 Jun 2026 - In May 2010, I was informed by the late Dr John Bevan, MCDOA honorary member, record-breaking RN Scientific Service diver, commercial diving consultant, magazine editor, historian, author and founding Chairman of The Historical Diving Society that I had been appointed to the Society’s Board of Advisors.
At the time, I was among the band of volunteers helping to set up the Society’s Diving Museum in No.2 Battery at Stokes Bay near Gosport as mentioned in John’s letter.
The museum was officially opened on 18 June 2011 by Vice Admiral Sir Richard Ibbotson KBE, CB, DSC, Caroline Dinenage MP and Councillor Chris Carter, the Mayor of Gosport. See my entry for 19 Jun 11 at https://www.mcdoa.org.uk/News_Archive_34.htm for further coverage.
You can therefore imagine my anticipation when, last Saturday, I took my younger grandson to see the museum open for the first time since it closed two years ago for a major £2 million restoration and redevelopment programme that included civil engineering upgrades and the resolution of damp and structural issues. It is now bigger and, most importantly, drier, than ever. The displays, segregated into commercial, recreational and military diving sections, are brighter, better displayed and more informative. Also, wheelchair access has been installed.
The display of military diving equipment is particularly comprehensive with specimens of RN air and rebreather diving sets plus a model of the sunken wreck of HMS EDINBURGH from which HDS Chairman Mike O’Meara, a former RN Clearance Diver, was intrinsic in the salvage of gold bullion..
Particular prominence is given to artefacts associated with Lt Bill Bailey,CBE DSC GM* RNVR, Cdr Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb OBE GM RNVR and AB Sydney Knowles BEM, all of whom were involved in the defence of shipping in the Bay of Gibraltar against attack by Algeciras-based Italian Decima Mas frogmen during the Second World War. A blue plaque commemorating their UWWP (Under Water Working Party’ will be unveiled in Gibraltar this September.
While walking around, I was delighted to encounter Canadian Army combat diver Alin Mirea who is visiting the UK from Ottawa.
The two 7-inch gun emplacements on top of No.2 Battery are normally out of bounds but I was given special dispensation to visit them and take this video of the museum’s external exhibits and the Solent beyond.
A memorial bench outside the museum commemorates past HDS luminaries Terry Nash, John Bevan, John Towse, Cdr Martin Marks RN and John Millerchip.
Hearty congratulations to all those involved in the museum’s restoration but special recognition should go to HDS Chairman & Accreditation Officer Mike O'Meara, Museum Director & Fundraising Officer Kevin Casey, Museum Manager Wendy Redman and guiding light Ann Bevan.
My photos don’t do the exhibits justice so make sure to visit personally; it’s now a proper family attraction with plenty to entertain children. The new display cabinets and improved lighting are fantastic.