Editing XE-class submarine (section)

==Operation Struggle==
In August 1945, HMS ''XE1'' and ''XE3'' executed a joint attack on Japanese warships within [[Singapore]] harbour. ''XE3'' was tasked with mining the [[heavy cruiser]] [[Japanese cruiser Takao (1930)|''Takao'']] while ''XE1'' was to attack the heavy cruiser [[Japanese cruiser Myōkō|''Myōkō'']].

The approach of ''XE3'' along the [[Straits of Johor]] and through the various harbour defences took 11 hours plus a further two hours to locate the camouflaged target. Despite several opportunities for Japanese defenders to spot the vessel, ''XE3'' successfully reached the ''Takao'', fixed limpet mines and dropped its two, 2-ton side charges. The withdrawal was successfully made and ''XE3'' returned to [[HMS Stygian|HMS ''Stygian'']], her towing submarine. Meanwhile, ''XE1'' was delayed by Japanese patrol craft, and her captain, realizing that he could not reach ''Myōkō'' (which was two miles further into the harbour than ''Takao'') before the mines already laid by ''XE3'' would explode, also elected to drop his own charges under ''Takao''. ''XE1'' also successfully returned to her towing submarine, [[HMS Spark|HMS ''Spark'']].

The ''Takao'', already damaged and not seaworthy, was severely damaged and never sailed again. ''XE3''s commander, [[Lieutenant]] [[Ian Edward Fraser]] [[Royal Naval Reserve|RNR]], and diver [[Leading Seaman]] [[James Joseph Magennis]] were awarded the [[Victoria Cross]] (VC) for their part in the attack; whilst [[Sub-Lieutenant]] [[William James Lanyon Smith]], [[RNZNVR]], who was at the controls of ''XE3'', received the [[Distinguished Service Order]] (DSO); [[Engine Room Artificer]] Third Class Charles Alfred Reed, who was at the wheel, received the [[Conspicuous Gallantry Medal]] (CGM). ''XE1'''s C/O, Lieutenant [[John Elliott Smart]] [[Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve|RNVR]] received the DSO, and Sub-Lieutenant Harold Edwin Harper, RNVR received the [[Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Cross]] (DSC); and ERA Fourth Class Henry James Fishleigh and [[Leading Seaman]] Walter Henry Arthur Pomeroy received the [[Distinguished Service Medal (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Medal]]. ERA Fourth Class Albert Nairn, Acting Leading Stoker Jack Gordan Robinson, and [[Able Seaman]] Ernest Raymond Dee were [[Mentioned in Despatches]] for their part in bringing the two midget submarines from harbour to the point where the crews that took part in the attack took over.<ref name=Gazette>{{London Gazette|issue=37346 |supp=y|pages=5529–5530|date=9 November 1945}}</ref>