Operation Source
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Operation Source was a series of attacks to neutralise the heavy German warships - Tirpitz, Scharnhorst and Lutzow - based in Northern Norway, using X-class midget submarines.
The attacks took place in September 1943 and succeeded in keeping the Tirpitz out of action for at least 6 months.
The operation was later portrayed in the 1955 war film, Above Us the Waves, featuring John Mills, which was based on both Operation Source, and the earlier Chariot Human torpedo attacks on the Tirpitz.
[edit] The attack
Six X-Craft were used. HMS X5, X6 and X7 were allocated the battleship Tirpitz, in Kåfjord. HMS X9 and X10 were to attack the battlecruiser Scharnhorst, also in Kåfjord. HMS X8 was to attack the aged pocket battleship Lützow in Langefjord.
The craft were towed to the area by conventional submarines (HMS Truculent, Syrtis, Seanymph, Thrasher, Stubborn and Sceptre) and manned by passage crews on the way. Close to the target, the operation crews would take over. X9 was lost with all hands on the way over when her towing rope snapped and she was dragged under by its weight. X8 developed serious defects and was scuttled. The remaining X-craft began their run in on the September 20 and the actual attacks took place on September 22, 1943.
Scharnhorst was engaged in exercises at the time, and hence was not at her normal mooring, X10's attack was abandoned, although this was due to mechanical and navigation problems, and the submarine returned to rendezvous with her 'tug' submarine and was taken back to Scotland.
X6 and X7 managed to drop their charges underneath Tirpitz, but were unable to make good their escape as they were observed and attacked. Both craft were abandoned and six crew survived to be captured. Although the fate of X5 is unclear, it is believed to have been sunk by a direct hit from one of Tirpitz's four-inch guns before having had a chance to place her charges. In 2004, a saddle charge identical to those used by the X-class was found on the bottom of Kåfjord, a short distance from the site of the attack. Although it has not been positively identified, it is believed to originate from the X5.
Tirpitz was heavily damaged. While not in danger of sinking, she had taken on 500 tons of water and suffered significant mechanical damage. The Tirpitz could not leave her anchorage until April 1944. For this action the commanders of the craft Lieutenant Donald Cameron (X6) and Lieutenant Basil Place (X7) were awarded the Victoria Cross.
