TA37

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. TA37 (former Gladio) was captured by Germans in good condition of fitting out and commissioned on 08.01.1944. The ship was used for escort duty in the Adriatic Sea after being snt from Triest to Pireo (Greece) during Operation "Odysseus". It was damaged in a battle with the British destroyers Tumult and Troubridge. In September 1944 the ship was transferred to the 9th TFlottila and sunk on 07.10.1944 in a battle with the British destroyers Termagnet and Tuscan near Salonicco.