X22 was a Royal Navy X-class midget submarine built during the Second World War. The X-craft were small submarines designed for special operations against heavily defended enemy warships, carrying explosive side charges that could be laid beneath a target. They typically had a crew of four and were towed to the operational area by a larger "mother" submarine.
Construction and Purpose
X22 was one of the second generation of operational X-craft developed following the success of the original prototypes. These submarines were created specifically to attack major German warships sheltered in Norwegian fjords, which were difficult to reach by conventional naval forces.
Operation Source
X22 is best known for its role in Operation Source, the September 1943 attack on German capital ships in northern Norway. The operation aimed to disable the battleship Tirpitz, as well as Scharnhorst and Lützow, using X-class midget submarines.
Although not one of the craft that ultimately attacked Tirpitz, X22 was later assigned to operations involving the X-craft force. During preparations for a subsequent mission, tragedy struck. While under tow by the submarine HMS Syrtis, X22 collided with her towing submarine and sank. Four members of the X22 crew were lost.
Loss
On 7 February 1944, during exercises and preparations for renewed attacks against German warships in Norway, X22 was being towed by HMS Syrtis. A collision occurred between the two submarines, causing X22 to founder and sink. The accident resulted in the deaths of the X22 crew and ended the vessel's service career. HMS Syrtis herself would be lost a few weeks later on patrol off Norway.
Key Facts
- Type: X-class midget submarine
- Operator: Royal Navy
- Role: Special operations against major enemy warships
- Crew: Typically 4 men
- Lost: 7 February 1944 following a collision while under tow by HMS Syrtis
- Casualties: Four crew lost