Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Maltese islands (53)

The X-127 lighter located off Lazzaretto Wharf in the Marsamxett Harbour is one of 200 that were commissioned by the British Services for the 1915 Gallipoli landings in World War I. The X-127 was used as a water lighter to transport water from tankers that brought water from Egypt to Cape Helles in Turkey for the use of the soldiers. After taking part in the withdrawal of the troops, X-127 was brought to Malta in 1923 to be sold; however, it was retained for use by the Victualling Yard.

The X-127 was used as a fuelling lighter for the Tenth Submarine Flotilla in Marsamxett Harbour locally and was used for the transportation of Scottish Shale oil. The lighter (by then known as L9) was hit on March 6, 1942 by a direct hit from the Luftwaffe, which hit also damaged the P39 that was tied up alongside.

The P39 was repaired, however, the L9 (X-127) sank. Although it was suggested that the lighter be lifted off the seabed and repaired, it was classified as a war loss and struck off the British Navy registers in November 1946.

The lighter is highly significant in view of being the only such sea craft to have survived out of 200 that were constructed for use in the invasion of Turkey. The day is still commemorated in a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in view of the heavy losses of lives sustained by the countries mentioned.

Mepa scheduled the X-127 lighter as a Class B national monument as per Government notice 1225 dated December 10, 2010.