Ridiculous History The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part One: The Return of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance
Sep 9, 2025
Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance, an authority on underwater explosions and diving physiology, shares fascinating insights into the world of tiny submarines and their pivotal role during D-Day. She recounts the daring tale of rogue scientists whose innovative methods helped save submarines and the Allies. The discussion touches on the intriguing history of the Civil War submarine Hunley and the psychological challenges faced by submariners. With humor and depth, they explore the impact of technological advancements and secretive wartime strategies that changed naval warfare.
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The Mystery Of The Hunley
- In 1864 the Confederate Hunley sank a Union ship with a 200-pound black powder bomb and then disappeared.
- Modern explorers found, raised, and revealed the crew slumped at their stations, suggesting they died in the sub after success.
D-Day Was Built By Years Of Science
- Between Pearl Harbor (1941) and D-Day (1944) science and engineering solved problems that made the Normandy landing possible.
- Large-scale amphibious invasions required years of experimentation and innovation rather than single heroic moments.
The Thetis Disaster Exposed Untested Gear
- The HMS Thetis sank in shallow water in 1939 with 103 people inside and only four survived, exposing major escape and testing failures.
- The disaster forced the Royal Navy to confront that they'd never properly tested submarine escape equipment in real conditions.
