A Diver in the Dark - My WW2 & Cold War adventures with Commander Lionel Crabb, 1940–56

Dive headfirst into the extraordinary life of Sydney Knowles, a Royal Navy stoker turned underwater warrior, as he takes you on a rip-roaring journey through the tumultuous waters of World War II and beyond. From the moment the fresh-faced lad from Preston volunteered to join the RN at just 19, he was plunged into a world of high-stakes drama, perilous missions, and some truly bizarre characters – most notably Commander Lionel Crabb, a man whose fate became as murky as the waters they fought in.

Join Sydney as he recounts harrowing escapades, like the heart-stopping hunt for the Bismarck and the audacious Operation Pedestal. But wait, there's more! After a particularly harrowing return to Gibraltar, Sydney teams up with Crabb to form the Underwater Working Party – a ragtag band of divers tasked with thwarting Italian saboteurs lurking beneath the waves. Picture this: clad in nothing but swimming trunks and makeshift breathing gear, they plunged into the icy, pitch-black depths, searching for enemy mines that could turn the tide of war. 

And if you think that’s where the insanity ends, think again! Their bond extended far beyond the battlefield, leading to clandestine missions and a brush with Cold War espionage that would ultimately culminate in Crabb’s mysterious disappearance. 

Sydney's memoir is not just a treasure trove of historical intrigue; it's a no-holds-barred adventure that reads like a blockbuster movie – and yes, it was even turned into one, albeit with a Hollywood twist that would make you chuckle. So, if you're ready for a tale that’s as thrilling as it is enlightening, buckle up for a ride through history that only Sydney Knowles can deliver!

Publisher - Woodfield Publishing

Language - English

Paperback

Contributors

Author

Sydney Knowles

Published Date - July 13 2024

ISBN - 9781846830822

Dimensions - 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.0 cm

Page Count - 182