Like all other ships of this class, Z43 was part of the 6th destroyer flotilla, operating in the Baltic Sea only. It took part in the ill fated mine laying operation in December 1944 but survived. Until February 1945 the destroyer escorted ships from and to Libau and took part in coastal bombardments. In March 1945 it escorted the Admiral Scheer on bombardment missions near Kolberg which continued until the ship was badly damaged by a mine hit on 10.04.1945. It was scuttled by own crew  on 03.05.1945 in the Baltic Sea. Wreck raised in 1953 and broken down.