On the Bottom by Comm. Edward Ellsberg - Raising the S-51

[stratasfan]

Well, after not reading much lately, I thought I would write a quick review on a book I read night before last. I was putting the book shelves back together after major downsizing, and got around to this book that we've had almost as long as I can remember. "On the Bottom" by Edward Ellsberg, USN Ret. About the raising of the S-51 (submarine) in 1925/26.

 

Commander Ellsberg tells the story in a totally enthralling and gripping way. You can't put it down! I was sitting on the floor behind my Sister's easy chair and I couldn't put it down! For two and a half hours, I kept saying - Oh, just a little more. All the way to the end. It was early in the field of diving and this event and Commander Ellsberg did a lot in shaping submarine rescue and the invention of tools and diving techniques used for decades to come. The story of diver Francis Smith - and Frazer. Brave divers who risked all for the Navy. This is also fabulously informative about hard-hat diving techniques and problems. Like watching Sea Hunt for hard hats!

 

So, if you haven't read it, and are interested in diving or USN or Submarine rescue . . . get a copy of this amazing book!

 

[USMCR79]

This is a Great Book - I bought my copy in 1972 at a local used book store - I still read it from time to time

 

Bill