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The Salving Of HMS Gladiator
HMS Gladiator a cruiser of 5750 tons and 320 feet long sank after a collision in 1908. the wreck was successfully raised by Captain (later Sir) Frederick Young and his two assistants, Captains Williams and Wilson, all from the Liverpool Salvage Association.
The wreck was floated with pontoons and raised upright but her deck was still awash. To help keep her afloat huge cofferdams were constructed on her decks to act as flotation tanks. Pumps were placed and worked continuously to keep her afloat. She was hauled into shallow water and salvaged.

SHALLOW WATER DIVING DRESS
During World War II there was a constant drive at Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. to develop an efficient and safe self-contained breathing apparatus. This set was designed not for swimming but for working underwater.The lead weights are placed to keep the diver firmly in place whilst working. The lead around the ankles would prevent him becoming inverted. Although it seems to be a lot of lead the rig was quite buoyant. The aparatus could also be used in irrespirable atmospheres such as gas-filled mines.
Admiralty Pattern Standard Dress
Augustus Siebe made the 12 Bolt Helmet in 1837 and production of it continued until 1975. However, the Ministry of Defence required a Helmet made to their own specifications which required a slightly heavier built quality. This was the six bolt helmet, as seen in this picture, the rest of the rig is standard equipment, except for the front weight which has a light fitted to it, to aid the diver. The chest weights weigh about 40lbs. each and are tied down to stop the helmet rising from the diver’s shoulders. The weights are hung from weight hangers on the front of the corselet.
The Diving Bell
One of the earliest methods of enabling man to work under water was by using a Diving Bell. They were used as far back as the 17th century.
This is a picture of a relatively modern version used during the early 20th century. The Bell at the top of the picture is for deep water and the one at the bottom, for shallow water. In the deep water bell men would sit inside round the edges on benches. They would then be lowered into the water. The water was kept out by the pressure of air pumped down to them inside the bell which was maintained via a surface supply. The Shallow water bell was entered via an air lock which protruded from the water.
Self-Contained Diving Apparatus
Siebe Gorman @ Co. Ltd. developed this apparatus prior to World War II and at that time it was not a commercial success.
During the War, however, there became an ever-increasing need for this type of equipment. The air inside was recirculated and the CO2 extracted by a scrubbing agent. An oxygen cylinder replenished the oxygen used by the diver.
These rigs could only be used at shallow depths due to the dangers of oxygen poisoning which could lead to convulsions and death.

We hope you enjoyed this look back into diving history

SHALLOW WATER DIVING DRESS During World War II there was a constant drive at Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. to develop an efficient and safe self-contained breathing apparatus. This set was designed not for swimming but for working underwater.The lead weights are placed to keep the diver firmly in place whilst working. The lead around the ankles would prevent him becoming inverted. Although it seems to be a lot of lead the rig was quite buoyant. The aparatus could also be used in irrespirable atmospheres such as gas-filled mines.
Admiralty Pattern Standard Dress Augustus Siebe made the 12 Bolt Helmet in 1837 and production of it continued until 1975. However, the Ministry of Defence required a Helmet made to their own specifications which required a slightly heavier built quality. This was the six bolt helmet, as seen in this picture, the rest of the rig is standard equipment, except for the front weight which has a light fitted to it, to aid the diver. The chest weights weigh about 40lbs. each and are tied down to stop the helmet rising from the diver’s shoulders. The weights are hung from weight hangers on the front of the corselet.
The Diving Bell One of the earliest methods of enabling man to work under water was by using a Diving Bell. They were used as far back as the 17th century. This is a picture of a relatively modern version used during the early 20th century. The Bell at the top of the picture is for deep water and the one at the bottom, for shallow water. In the deep water bell men would sit inside round the edges on benches. They would then be lowered into the water. The water was kept out by the pressure of air pumped down to them inside the bell which was maintained via a surface supply. The Shallow water bell was entered via an air lock which protruded from the water.
Self-Contained Diving Apparatus Siebe Gorman @ Co. Ltd. developed this apparatus prior to World War II and at that time it was not a commercial success. During the War, however, there became an ever-increasing need for this type of equipment. The air inside was recirculated and the CO2 extracted by a scrubbing agent. An oxygen cylinder replenished the oxygen used by the diver. These rigs could only be used at shallow depths due to the dangers of oxygen poisoning which could lead to convulsions and death.