Book description
The Incredible story of the Australian Navy's elite unit. Rising out of
the Second World War, the Australian clearance diver has become one of
the most respected and versatile operators in the military world. In
cold, murky water, working by touch alone, the Australian clearance
diver can defuse a mine powerful enough to sink a battleship. Under the
burning Afghan sun, they can dismantle a Taliban roadside bomb. Welcome
to the world of the Royal Australian Navy clearance divers. Bomb and
mine disposal is but one of their roles. As covert swimmers they can
infiltrate enemy waters. As boarding parties they are on the anti-piracy
frontline. As counterterrorist special forces they are on call 24/7.
They are simply one of the best diving units in the military world.
Their story goes back to the Second World War, when Hitler's secret
weapon - the magnetic mine - had Britain on her knees. Four
extraordinary Aussies were among the brave naval volunteers who tackled
Nazi mines on land and under water. The men who followed their path
share the same brand of courage. From the rivers of Vietnam to the
deserts of Afghanistan, navy divers have excelled under the most dire
pressure, yet we know very little of their heroic deeds. Their
incredible story has remained behind closed doors. Until now . . .
Gregor Salmon is a Sydney-based writer. He is the author of Poppy, an
account of his first-hand investigation into Afghanistan's opium trade,
and Heart Soul Fire, which he wrote with boxer Paul Briggs. Over the
years he has written, edited and produced his way through a host of
magazines, television shows and internet sites.
