Navy Divers Train In The River Thames -- "Big Head" Naval diver, A. B. Eric Spooner of Kingston having his gear adjusted by Leading Seaman J. Irving of Colchester, of Lambeth Pier today. A training exercise for Royal Navy Divers, which will last for several months began today in the River Thames. This is the first time Navy divers have worked in the River Thames and the exercises took place in the murky waters of the river bed from the Pool of London to Battersea. Below the Pool the divers operated from the anti-submarine and minesweeping trawlers H.M.S. Annet and H.M.S Flatholm (both 560 tons) and from ***** Tower Bridge to Battersea, specially fitted motor cutters are used. January 28, 1954. (Photo by Fox Photos).