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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Whale Floating Dock Model
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Whale Floating Dock Model

Object numberMO 1947.93.103
Name Model, Instructional
Maker
Date1944
Mediumsilver, metal, paint on wood
Dimensionsoverall H 1 3/8 in x W 9 in x D 4 1/2 in (3.5 cm x 22.9 cm x 11.4 cm )
DescriptionA small silver model of a Whale floating dock. The model is mounted on a black-painted wooden base with two colors of metal simulating ocean and beach. Mounted on either side of the model is a small silver plaque with the engraved name: WHALE.
Label TextBritish Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave President Roosevelt this silver model labeled “Whale," along with a silver model labeled "Phoenix" (see MO 1947.93.104), during the Second Quebec Conference in September 1944. They depict two of the elements used to create enormous artificial harbors off the Normandy coast after the June 6, 1944 D-Day invasion. These harbors made it possible to supply and reinforce the Allied invasion force. Floating metal docks (nicknamed Whales) were a key part of the ingenious plan for the harbors.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 20, 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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