Royal Navy personnel from HM Naval Base Clyde travelled to Eden Camp Museum in North Yorkshire, on 14 May 2025, for a commemorative plaque unveiling. The plaque is dedicated to those that served within the X-Craft and Human Torpedo forces during the Second World War.
At the time, the X-Craft and Human Torpedo missions were deemed top-secret in nature and pushed the boundaries of naval warfare far beyond what was known by many. The innovation stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of freedom.
Representatives from the Royal Navy and the Museum joint forces to officially unveil the plaque as part of the museum’s permanent X-Craft/Human Torpedo exhibit. Among the representatives for the Royal Navy was FOST (Fleet Operational Standards & Training) Captain SM, Captain Justin Codd, RN Chaplain Mark Street, Chief David O’Neill, WO1 Mark Harris, and SMQ (Submarine Qualification Training).
Members of the public attended the unveiling alongside veteran submariners from the Submariner’s Association, and families of those currently deployed. A short service was held by RN Chaplain, Mark Street, and a two-minute silence was observed. A wreath was placed by SMQ’s on behalf of the submarine service, and another was placed by veteran submariners on behalf of the veteran community. The naval prayer was recited.
WO1 Mark Harris said, “This is a great opportunity for Submarine Qualification Training (SMQ) to bring together past, present, and future submariners, along with families of those deployed, to remember the bravery of those who came before us.”
The museum worked closely with veteran organisations, families, and representatives from the submarine community to bring people together; families, friends, and supporters to honour the shared legacy of this chapter in our country’s history.
During the Second World War, a covert operation, dubbed Operation Source, was established to neutralise German warships based in Norway. Conceptualised by Commander Cromwell-Varley, Flag Officer Submarines, Max Horton, and PM Winston Churchill, the attacks took place in September 1943 and lasted for around six months.
Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute is where the 12th Submarine Flotilla, RN shore-based establishment was based and where their attacks were directed from. Named Varbel after the two designers of the X-Craft protype, Commander Varley and Commander Bell, the headquarters used to be a luxury hotel on the island.
Training was conducted further up in Kylesku, Sutherland, for their attack mission. Often deemed suicide missions, X-Crafts would pull along human torpedoes and see two men man the weapons. Dubbed charioteers, they would manoeuvre the torpedo to where it needed to strike and manually detonate the weapon. There was no time countdown, or room to clear the explosion. Throughout the operation, many lives were lost.
On a cairn at Kylesku, the plaque was originally dedicated there at the training centre to those that served in this operation. However, over time the plaque began to fade, and funds were raised through charities to have it replaced. At the rededication, the navy was handed back the old plaque and Chief David O’Neill rescued and rejuvenated it.
After being introduced to the Eden Camp Museum through, WO1 Mark Harris, and their discovery of the new X-Craft and Human torpedo exhibit, they decided the plaque was the best place for it to go. The plaque now sits at the rear of the exhibit and ties the exhibition together, nicely.
Summer O’Brien, Collections & Engagements Manager at the museum, said, “Curating this exhibition has been both deeply rewarding and incredibly educational. Discovering the immense sacrifice and extraordinary bravery these men demonstrated during covert missions – often unrecognised – has been truly moving. I’m especially proud to now include this plaque in the exhibition, serving as a lasting tribute to these courageous young men.”
The plaque is a reminder of the human stories that were behind the operation.
The event was about understanding and acknowledging the service of those that spend their lives working as submariners or on torpedo technology and ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
