The Greif 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 Greif 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 Greif was transferred to France in May 1943 and torpedoed by British Albacore torpedo bomber on 23.05.1944 and sunk at 29°21'N,0°19'W.