Chamber Divers

The Untold Story of the D-Day Scientists Who Changed Special Operations Forever

De: Rachel Lance

Narrado por: Alex Wyndham

The previously classified story of the eccentric researchers who invented cutting-edge underwater science to lead the Allies to D-Day victory

In August 1942, more than 7,000 Allied troops rushed the beaches of Normandy, France, in an all but-forgotten landing. Only a small fraction survived unscathed. It was two summers before D-Day, and the Allies realized that they were in dire need of underwater intelligence if they wanted to stand a chance of launching another beach invasion and of winning the war.

Led by the controversial biologists J. B. S. Haldane and Dr. Helen Spurway, an ingenious team of ragtag scientists worked out of homemade labs during the London Blitz. Beneath a rain of bombs, they pioneered thrilling advances in underwater reconnaissance through tests done on themselves in painful and potentially fatal experiments. Their discoveries led to the safe use of miniature submarines and breathing apparatuses, which ultimately let the Allies take the beaches of Normandy.

Blast injury specialist Dr. Rachel Lance unpacks the harrowing narratives of these experiments while bringing to life the men and women whose brilliance and self-sacrifice shaped the outcome of the war, including their personal relationships with one another and the ways they faced skepticism and danger in their quest to enable Allied troops to breathe underwater.

The riveting science leading up to D-Day has been classified for generations, but Chamber Divers finally brings these scientists’ stories—and their heroism—to light.

©2024 Rachel Lance (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Meticulously researched, the unbelievable yet true story of the eccentric, maverick submarine scientists whose courage and expertise ensured the success of D-Day. Inspirational reading."—Dr Helen Fry, author of MI9

“Rachel Lance has produced a gripping, beautifully researched narrative that plunges readers deep into the drama of one of the most important military operations in history. WWII buffs and those looking for a genuine page turner will be delighted.”—Alex Kershaw, New York Times bestselling author of Against All Odds

“With skill and heart, Rachel Lance tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes, who sacrificed their own bodies to advance a hidden world of warfare. Exploring the unseen depths of WWII’s most dangerous operations, Lance reveals the secret wartime science that remains essential to protecting our freedoms.” —Nathalia Holt, New York Times bestselling author of Rise of the Rocket Girls and Wise Gals

Really missed casting a woman for Rachel!

I really enjoyed the smooth reading of InThe Waves and found the switch to an older man distracting.
I am a new fan of Rachel’s lectures and thought this casting strange.
I returned it reluctantly…

Unknown heroes

If you’re interested in finding out more info on how the science of mixed gases for use above and below the sea, this is the right place. Never before published, this chronicle should be a must read for anyone who is interested in this science.

Science and history

Great combination of the science of diving, the personalities involved in the research, and WWII from a unique perspective.

Amazing Dive Into the Foundations of Dive Science and WW2 History

An extremely thorough and highly entertaining deep dive into the previously untold history of dive science and of WW2 preparations for underwater operations, and with many hidden figures revealed.

Unsung heroes

This is a very compelling story of scientists going the extra mile and putting their lives on the line to experiment, at times on their own bodies for the benefit of diving science that would be key to defeating Hitler and the Nazis in World War II. I would strongly recommend this book to anybody, particularly in view of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, coming up so soon.

Good narrative structure

The subjects here being mostly staid and dry, the author does a good job of weaving together the personal narrative is with the war elements. I do love the meticulous recounting of the experiments which is the harrowing heart of this tale.

A Very Well Told Story

A book full of real-life heroes! This is a story that so needed telling. Now I have a new respect for Mr Haldane. As a diver I’d heard of him during training. JBS and his team helped me enjoy the underwater world. This enjoyable book is very well written and performed.

As a US Navy DMT I knew some of this story.

As a history buff, and a Navy (Diving medical technician) I knew some of this story, some was still classified (pink pages in the manuals) during my time. But getting to feel like I now know the people who did the science is amazing. Very few really care about this corner of science — but what it has enabled is important. If you are a sports scuba diver you will understand that paying attention to your tables is important and why! Then learning that a few people did the hard and dangerous work to create your diving will help keep you safe. (Never, ever hold your breath— do not pass your bubbles)

History of the Diving World from UK Perspective

A well written and well researched book. I was a US Navy Diver for 20 years so many of the stories or references were familiar to me. This contributed to the authenticity of the research. The intricacies of the gas mixtures and the impact to the human body were quite realistic and totally believable. Recommend to anyone interested in the underwater world and the dangers lurking there.

Historical facts

Really fascinating information. I am glad the last chapter was written. I will probably listen to this again, there is so much good information in this book!