This is what people eminently more qualified than me (That's not dificult by the way) have been writing about it.
The foreword is by The Fist Sea Lord, Sir Jonathon Band. He says:
Foreword
Throughout my career in the Royal Navy I have had the privilege and honour to work with a number of Mine Clearance Divers, and each time I have been struck by their supreme levels of professionalism and dedication. Underwater bomb disposal, often in the cold waters and zero visibility of the seas and ports around the UK, is not for the faint-hearted and often requires levels of courage, stamina and sure-footedness that exceeds that expected in other military disciplines.
Such a hazardous lifestyle creates bonds amongst its proponents that are exceptionally close, along with a unique and highly developed sense of humour (you have been warned!). The demands of commercial saturation diving are no less rigorous. In this book Tony Groom provides a fascinating, no-holds-barred account of his remarkable life and of the world of professional naval and civilian divers.
His story is gripping, humbling and highly amusing in equal measure – all the more so for the matter-of-fact manner in which he tells it. From clearing unexploded bombs lodged in ships during the Falklands war, to hair-raising exploits in the oil fields of the North Sea, he shines a light on a calling that demands the coolest of heads and extreme courage.
I strongly commend it to anyone with an interest in extraordinary human endeavour or the sea.
Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB ADC. First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff.
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Major General Julian Thompson wrote:
Diver by Tony Groom
The Royal Navy Clearance Divers, not the SAS, are the British mystery unit of the Falklands War of 1982.
They did not even appear in the first edition of the Official History — now put right. It is fair to say that without them it is highly likely that the British would have lost the war. But this is more than a book about the Falklands War. It tells the story of some of the bravest and most professional men in the Royal Navy.
The gripping accounts are spiced with ‘black’ humour of the sort that only men engaged in a dangerous profession can really appreciate. Read this book and you will learn why. You will want to turn every page.
Julian Thompson
Commander, 3 Commando Brigade Falklands 1982.
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Listen to the book being discussed on BBC Radio 4 with Libby Purves just before Christmas. You may want to fast forward to minute 19. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/mid ... 1212.shtml
You can get a signed copy from me from www.deep-sea-diving.com
Cheers Tony
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THE NEW BOOK, DIVER.
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sportbilly42
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I know I couldn’t guarantee a signed copy to anyone Tony, but coming on here to blatantly promote your own goods is ‘conduct unbecoming of the highest order’! 
........Especially when I already done the ‘Recommend this book’ bit on this webthread without your input!!
Maj Gen Thompson may have put it more eloquently than me, mind.
My endorsement is from the perspective of one who’s picked the book up and can’t let go of it rather than Tommo’s standard acknowledgement of writing something nice about someone who served under him..
Mine was along the lines of : “Just started this book which was recommended to me earlier today and it's one that I just haven't been able to put down since (apart from while I've been tapping out this on the keyboard) But I've perfected the art of 'reading good book while having crap and sorting paperwork out' it's that good” Translates as ‘unputdownable’ Will that do?
........Especially when I already done the ‘Recommend this book’ bit on this webthread without your input!!Maj Gen Thompson may have put it more eloquently than me, mind.
My endorsement is from the perspective of one who’s picked the book up and can’t let go of it rather than Tommo’s standard acknowledgement of writing something nice about someone who served under him..
Mine was along the lines of : “Just started this book which was recommended to me earlier today and it's one that I just haven't been able to put down since (apart from while I've been tapping out this on the keyboard) But I've perfected the art of 'reading good book while having crap and sorting paperwork out' it's that good” Translates as ‘unputdownable’ Will that do?
Ooops Touchy
Crikey!
Sorry. I'll consider my self told off shall I? Your not my wife are you? I thought I could write what I like, within reason. I said 'I'm glad you were enjoying it. And thanks for that, I'd better stop writing here, the last thing I wanted to do was upset anyone by promoting a book about the Falklands. I mean, anyone would think its a military forum!
Meow.
Suitably chastised, Tony!
Sorry. I'll consider my self told off shall I? Your not my wife are you? I thought I could write what I like, within reason. I said 'I'm glad you were enjoying it. And thanks for that, I'd better stop writing here, the last thing I wanted to do was upset anyone by promoting a book about the Falklands. I mean, anyone would think its a military forum!
Meow.
Suitably chastised, Tony!
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sportbilly42
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My tongue was placed firmly in my cheek Tony. 
And I should have said it was a 'ring-stinging endorsement' of your book as even bowel movements couldn't make me put it down. I've actually finished it now BTW and passed it on to my son to read once he's finished 3 Para and Sniper One etc..... A crackin' read!!
And I should have said it was a 'ring-stinging endorsement' of your book as even bowel movements couldn't make me put it down. I've actually finished it now BTW and passed it on to my son to read once he's finished 3 Para and Sniper One etc..... A crackin' read!!-
sportbilly42
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It was my father-in-law who passed it to me first just last week. He wants it back, but I'm reluctant to let go of 'my' copy now. He's in hospital after a bit of a 'funny turn heart attack' so I can probably get away with hiding it under the bed for a month or so yet ...........
As far as bits from the book are concerned, I think most of us that have served in whatever service can relate to the phys side (though, granted, yours was a BIT more extreme mate!) Mud runs!! Dontcha love 'em.....with logs........
All the best and good luck with the reprints.....
Nicely designed website too..!
As far as bits from the book are concerned, I think most of us that have served in whatever service can relate to the phys side (though, granted, yours was a BIT more extreme mate!) Mud runs!! Dontcha love 'em.....with logs........
All the best and good luck with the reprints.....
Nicely designed website too..!
SportBilly
The thing is, I can't seem to wipe the vision from my mind of you reading, and wiping, at the same time. It's sort of stuck in my minds eye. I did actually think of putting perforations along each page, so that you could take the book to the loo, read, tear, then wipe. Kill two turds with one stone, sorry. But in the end Andrex made it too expensive.
I hope the Father in law enjoyed it. Oh, and most importantly, wish your boy good luck. That's a mean course he's on.
Tony
The thing is, I can't seem to wipe the vision from my mind of you reading, and wiping, at the same time. It's sort of stuck in my minds eye. I did actually think of putting perforations along each page, so that you could take the book to the loo, read, tear, then wipe. Kill two turds with one stone, sorry. But in the end Andrex made it too expensive.
I hope the Father in law enjoyed it. Oh, and most importantly, wish your boy good luck. That's a mean course he's on.
Tony
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Doc
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Promote away Tony, is it in large print for ex-scablifters to read btw?
Had an interview once in which I told the yank interviewer that I was a diver medic, (did a buckshee course in Guz for a week as a top up to the offshore cert. Mostly consisted of sleeping and being drunk. Passsed it by copying of some arab sat on the same desk)
Anyway mentioned the diver bit amongst my other quals, and matey started gobbing off about the USN Dive manual and loads of quotes about laws of this and laws of that. Ex-seal, mega diver, own drysuit the works.
I sat there oblivious, to the point he suddenly stopped and said "you dont have a clue what the hell Im on about do you!"
My reply "Nope, but with you there with me in the middle of I-rak, should cover the need for any help I may need on treating someone with the bends!"
Didnt get the job........................
Had an interview once in which I told the yank interviewer that I was a diver medic, (did a buckshee course in Guz for a week as a top up to the offshore cert. Mostly consisted of sleeping and being drunk. Passsed it by copying of some arab sat on the same desk)
Anyway mentioned the diver bit amongst my other quals, and matey started gobbing off about the USN Dive manual and loads of quotes about laws of this and laws of that. Ex-seal, mega diver, own drysuit the works.
I sat there oblivious, to the point he suddenly stopped and said "you dont have a clue what the hell Im on about do you!"
My reply "Nope, but with you there with me in the middle of I-rak, should cover the need for any help I may need on treating someone with the bends!"
Didnt get the job........................
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Wholley
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harry hackedoff
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Has anyone got a bucket of water, ffs 
It`s a right lurv fest with you two
If it`s good enough for spotwilly, I`m sure it`s good enough for me.
I`ll nick a copy next time I`m in Dimmocks
We`ve got the OC of the OZ CDT from gulf two down here. He`s a federal MP now and we`ve had a few dealings with him. Nice lad, was a top table guest at the Corps Birthday Luncheon.
Is this a plugging oportunity Tony or the first stages in your brilliant career on Military Forums
Stick around shippers, enjoy yerself and welcome aboard
It`s a right lurv fest with you two
If it`s good enough for spotwilly, I`m sure it`s good enough for me.
I`ll nick a copy next time I`m in Dimmocks
We`ve got the OC of the OZ CDT from gulf two down here. He`s a federal MP now and we`ve had a few dealings with him. Nice lad, was a top table guest at the Corps Birthday Luncheon.
Is this a plugging oportunity Tony or the first stages in your brilliant career on Military Forums
Stick around shippers, enjoy yerself and welcome aboard
[url=http://www.militaryforums.co.uk/forums/groupcp.php?g=397][img]http://www.militaryforums.co.uk/forums/images/usergroups/listener.gif[/img][/url]
If it's out of stock on Amazon try http://www.deep-sea-diving.comSisyphus wrote:Unfortunately out of stock on Amazon at the moment!
I'll sign em for you as well!
Tony
We`ve got the OC of the OZ CDT from gulf two down here. He`s a federal MP now and we`ve had a few dealings with him. Nice lad, was a top table guest at the Corps Birthday Luncheon.
Is this a plugging oportunity Tony or the first stages in your brilliant career on Military Forums
Stick around shippers, enjoy yerself and welcome aboard[/quote]
Never being one to miss a pluggin oportunity, it is that. But! these forums are a good way of getting in touch. I've met lots of people I seem to owe money and books to already!
Please tell the OC of the Aussie's he could learn a lot from the book. Admitedly mostly what not to do, but we all have to learn.
Tell him I'm a close personal friend of Julian Thomson. that'll do it.
Tony
Is this a plugging oportunity Tony or the first stages in your brilliant career on Military Forums
Stick around shippers, enjoy yerself and welcome aboard
[/quote]Never being one to miss a pluggin oportunity, it is that. But! these forums are a good way of getting in touch. I've met lots of people I seem to owe money and books to already!
Please tell the OC of the Aussie's he could learn a lot from the book. Admitedly mostly what not to do, but we all have to learn.
Tell him I'm a close personal friend of Julian Thomson. that'll do it.
Tony
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sportbilly42
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Tony...Talking of free books ( ) I have been keeping a close watch on my letterbox and nothing's turned up yet ........... (Last time I give an arse-wiping endorsement of someone's book...! 
)
I s'pose I'll have to get on-line and get you to scribble on the front.
BTW the photo on your website showing the group mug shot of the Fleet Clearance Diving Team has everyone wearing very odd-looking large square shades………(the same that SAS-types always seem to wear in their books) but the photo in the book they haven’t got these dirty great ‘glasses’ on. Is this some sort of scratch and sniff version? (Oh, …….that’s 'blacking out’)
You’ll have to speak to our on-line Aussie mate Mendes who may be able to spout on at length about ‘PERSEC’ ……..
) I have been keeping a close watch on my letterbox and nothing's turned up yet ........... (Last time I give an arse-wiping endorsement of someone's book...! )I s'pose I'll have to get on-line and get you to scribble on the front.
BTW the photo on your website showing the group mug shot of the Fleet Clearance Diving Team has everyone wearing very odd-looking large square shades………(the same that SAS-types always seem to wear in their books) but the photo in the book they haven’t got these dirty great ‘glasses’ on. Is this some sort of scratch and sniff version? (Oh, …….that’s 'blacking out’)
You’ll have to speak to our on-line Aussie mate Mendes who may be able to spout on at length about ‘PERSEC’ ……..
