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Under the Red Sea Sun

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Under the Red Sea Sun

By: Edward Ellsberg
Narrated by: David Baker
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About this listen

A gripping first-hand description of the salvage operations at the port of Massawa on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea during the early days of World War II. When forced from the region, Italian troops had scuttled many ships to block the important harbour, which was vital to the British war effort. Ellsberg, an American salvage officer, was placed in charge and a small group of workers under his direction accomplished an almost Herculean task with virtually no resources. The book paints a realistic picture of confusion and incompetence in the early days of the war.

©1946 Edward E. Pollard and Ann P. Heilakka (P)2014 Audible Inc. Armed Forces Military Naval Forces War
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This is not a book that I would normally have purchased but had the opportunity to listen to it as part of the included Audible plus catalogue. A story about an experienced American naval officer who is an expert in salvage and his endeavours in Eritrea in WW2. Its a very interesting listen about an unglamorous , but important , part of the navy.It is well narrated, well written and an entertaining listen. It is a pity that the publisher did not use the same narrator for Admiral Ellsberg's subsequent books.

Audible plus bonus 😁

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You get such an insight into Ellsberg's drive and ability to make things happen. He also writes with detail and colour showing how if you want something to happen, then it can happen. You can tell that Ellsberg is a good man, and operates with selflessness. Wonderful book.

A HIDDEN GEM

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outstanding hardship overcome by shear will and determination. this is an exceiient account from Captain Ellsberg.

incredible story.

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A free book but well worth paying to read. The narrator was a little hard to get used to, but eventually felt appropriate as the character of the author became clear as the book progressed. I found the author’s insights into travel in WWII fascinating, his stories of crossing the Atlantic by steamer were very interesting, and of course the explanation of salvage operations was addictive. I eagerly jumped into the car on my commute to find out what happened next. Great book. The Author does come across as a bit of a know-it-all but the blood-sucking role of contractors in wartime is interesting. It just shows that the Black Market and capitalism saw war as a means to get rich. Our society is still plagued by those whose only aim was to look after themselves. Anyway, that’s only a minor part of the book.

Surprisingly enthralling

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Brilliantly interesting book, with fascinating insight into little known aspects of World War 2 marine salvage operations
The unsung heroes who carried out this work under terrible conditions are expertly written about

An Unsung Hero

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Very unusual story about salvaging of ships during WW2. The perseverance and determination of people to do difficult jobs under straining conditions is well told

Great unusual wartime story

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I whole heartedly enjoyed this book, especially as I wasn't expecting much since the abstract doesn't necessarily seem nearly as interesting as the book actually is. For anyone interested in WW2 history, especially in the African theatre or anyone who enjoys listening to accounts of people overcoming obstacles that seem impossible, this is a must listen, especially now that it's free for Audible members although this book is certainly worth a credit to own as well. The book is very well written and narrated, it's historically really relevant with lots of background information about the African theatre, but also full of great stories of perseverance and also amusing and mind boggling anecdotes.
Highly recommended!

A "hidden" gem, stunning stories!

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Hands down one of the best books I have enjoyed from Audible. A hidden gem that deserves far more recognition than it gets. Very well narrated but for the curious pronunciation of the word 'quays'. I cannot recommend this work highly enough.

Riveting, fascinating, inspiring, humbling

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What a book! What a life Edward Ellsberg must have had. Despite all the goings on in war, this man and his team achieved something special. The ability to adopt and adapt is something else.
A proper tale with some great stories of the life of a naval salvage man. I cannot recommend this book enough! A must for anyone interested in engineering or history.

Absolutely brilliant

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Well narrated, well written, well received. Excellent story worthy of any "Marvel" comic hero.
Impossible, but should be made into a film.

Capt. Marvel

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