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Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers
The full visual history of the special forces combat diver from World War II to the present day.
Combat divers are an elite within an elite. Every special forces combat diver is required to pass selection twice – first into the elite military unit and then a combat diving qualification. The combat dive units themselves are tiny and the operations highly classified. The role of a military diver is inevitably a lonely and a dangerous one, whether clearing mines or striking from the sea against enemy-held targets. Fully illustrated with rare and unusual images, Combat Divers reveals their little-known yet fascinating operations, from Dutch Special Forces combat divers covertly operating against Somali pirates to the actions of Soviet Spetsnaz divers in Swedish territorial waters during the Cold War. It also examines how the most famous units, such as the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Navy's SBS, are currently operating and adapting to threats in a multitude of theatres.
Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.
Combat divers are an elite within an elite. Every special forces combat diver is required to pass selection twice – first into the elite military unit and then a combat diving qualification. The combat dive units themselves are tiny and the operations highly classified. The role of a military diver is inevitably a lonely and a dangerous one, whether clearing mines or striking from the sea against enemy-held targets. Fully illustrated with rare and unusual images, Combat Divers reveals their little-known yet fascinating operations, from Dutch Special Forces combat divers covertly operating against Somali pirates to the actions of Soviet Spetsnaz divers in Swedish territorial waters during the Cold War. It also examines how the most famous units, such as the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Navy's SBS, are currently operating and adapting to threats in a multitude of theatres.
Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 17, 2024
As I am often reviewing books that are more story based, I think I need to add this disclaimer up front. This book, Combat Divers by Michael Welham, is written like a textbook on combat divers. This is not meant to be an in-depth story of specific combat divers or missions although there is some shorter passages on them. If someone asked, "Can you please tell me everything about combat divers," I would hand them this book and that's what my star rating is based on. Oh, and the pictures.
The book is very in-depth with clear prose. As mentioned, it reads like a military publication without a lot of flair. That is not a knock on the writing as it is doing what it is intended to do. I was in the military and have read many a military manual. They can be quite boring. This is not boring, just more to the point than most books usually are. The pictures are super cool and include both older and more contemporary photos.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)
The book is very in-depth with clear prose. As mentioned, it reads like a military publication without a lot of flair. That is not a knock on the writing as it is doing what it is intended to do. I was in the military and have read many a military manual. They can be quite boring. This is not boring, just more to the point than most books usually are. The pictures are super cool and include both older and more contemporary photos.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)
January 16, 2025
Long and dry. Just how I like it.
Adding: it does have good info and connections - doesn’t just talk about the US but the history but also the distinction between different countries too. Photos are great.
Adding: it does have good info and connections - doesn’t just talk about the US but the history but also the distinction between different countries too. Photos are great.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews