The Seeadler was part of the 5th Torpedoboot Flotilla at the outbreak of the war, which was used for mine laying ("Westwall") until 24.09.1939. Escort duties for CLs to recover home going destroyer after mine laying operations in British coastal waters. Used during Operation "Weserübung" in April 1940, later transferred to France, where the Seeadler participated in defensive mine operations between September 1940 and Spring 1941, followed by repairs and refits in Rotterdam. After operations in the Baltic Sea and at Jutland, the Seeadler was used during Operation "Cerberus" in February 1942 . While escorting the Auxiliary Cruiser Stier (Schiff 23), the Seeadler was torpedoed by British MTB 219 on 13.05.1942 and sunk at 50°48'N 01°32'E.  The wreck is now  60 meters depth, and broken into two parts, separated about 100 meters. The bow lies on its port side, while the stern rests upright.