HMS X8 was an X-class midget submarine of the Royal Navy, built during the Second World War as part of the special-purpose X-Craft force designed to attack heavily defended enemy warships. It was completed on 28 January 1943 by Vickers-Armstrong.
Its most notable mission was participation in Operation Source in September 1943. X8 was assigned to attack the German heavy cruiser Lützow in Norway, while sister craft targeted Tirpitz and Scharnhorst. The X-Craft were towed close to their targets by larger submarines before proceeding independently.
During the passage to Norway, X8 suffered a series of mechanical problems and damage to its explosive side charges. The submarine became unable to continue the mission and was scuttled on 17 September 1943 to prevent capture.
Key Facts
- Type: X-class midget submarine (X-Craft)
- Builder: Vickers-Armstrong
- Completed: 28 January 1943
- Role: Special operations against major German warships
- Operation: Operation Source (September 1943)
- Assigned Target: German cruiser Lützow
- Fate: Scuttled on 17 September 1943 after defects and damage prevented completion of the mission.
Although X8 never reached its target, the X-Craft campaign became famous for the successful attacks that crippled the battleship Tirpitz during Operation Source
