The Luchs was part of the 6th Torpedoboot flotilla at the outbreak of the war and used for mine laying operations until Spring of 1940. The ship took part in Operation "Weserübung" in April 1940 . Torpedoed on 26.07.1940 in the North sea by the British submarine Swordfish  (British sources credit this to the submarine Thames ) while escorting the damaged battlecruiser Gneisneau . Sunk at 58°30'N,04°30'E.