The Tirpitz mission began in an undistinguished manner when, on the outward passage to Norway (which was an eight-day journey covering over 1000 miles), X9 sank and X8 had to be scuttled. Fifty miles from their target, the four remaining X-craft were cast loose to proceed under their own power, through winding, shallow fjords, mine fields and anti-submarine nets to the anchorage of Tirpitz. X10 penetrated the inner fjord but had to abandon her attack because of mechanical defects. Harassed by vigorous enemy patrols, her captain valiantly stayed hidden with his small boat for five days until, finally, he could return to the 'towing ship'. X10 was scuttled on the return journey to England.
On 22nd September, 1943, X6 (Lieut. Donald Cameron, RNR) and X7 (Lieut. Basil Place) followed an old freighter through
