Chamber Divers
The Untold Story of the D-Day Scientists Who Changed Special Operations Forever
AS HEARD ON NPR’s FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS
US edition available now
UK edition coming June 6, 2024
In August 1942, over 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 JBS Haldane and Dr. Helen Spurway, an ingenious team of ragtag scientists worked out of homemade labs throughout 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.
ADVANCE PRAISE
“An illuminating account of the women and men whose dogged efforts and sacrifice helped to enable and protect the most critical, but also most fragile weapon in war – the human body. Chamber Divers sheds new light on an little-known aspect of some of history’s most famous operations. Entertaining and informative – a great read.”
—General Stanley McChrystal
“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
“I read it. You should.”
—Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Russell Worth Parker, Marine Raider
Order the Book
Rachel’s Local Shop:
Hardcover (US edition)
Amazon (US edition)
Amazon (UK edition)
Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million
Hudson Booksellers
Bookshop
Target
Penguin Random House