Wrecks of War

The Commonwealth Marine Salvage Board was set up in Australia in 1942 to cope with the huge amount of salvage and ship rescue work which came about during World War Two. Two diver training schools were set up by the Board to cope with the critical shortage of skilled salvage divers. Many of the trained divers continued as professional commercial divers after the war and were involved in some amazing diving experiences, all of which are now part of Australia's rich diving heritage. One such diver was Harry Chadwick from Melbourne, who trained with the Salvage Board at 23 years of age. Harry kept a detailed diary of his diving assignments throughout the war and for 30 years thereafter, during his diving career with the United Salvage Co, run by Capt. J.P Williams of the Niagara gold recovery fame.