TA36

The 15 torpedoboats of the Ariete class were the largest class of ships captured by the Kriegsmarine after the Italian surrender in September 1943. None of those ships were already completed at this time and after completion all were part of the 10th TFlottila, and used for mine laying, escort duty and coastal defense. TA36 (former Stella Polare) was captured by Germans in excellent condition of fitting out, it was completed and commissioned on 15.01.1944 and used for escort duty in the Adriatic Sea. During 1944 this ship was in the 11.Sicherungflottille (from the last day of March on 1944 11.Sicherungsdivision with 1. and 2.Geleitflottille). It took part in a battle with two British destroyers in February 1944 and was sunk north of the Adriatic Sea after being hit by an own mine on 18.03.1944.