Z6 Theodor Riedel took part in the the ill fated mine laying operation in February 1940 (Operation Wikinger) . During in Operation Weserübung  the RieZ6 Theodor Riedel  was part of the Kriegsschiffgruppe 2 heading for Trondheim. Assigned to the 5th destroyer flotilla, the ship was first stationed in Norway, after a short assignment in France it returned to Norway again. In December 1942, the ship took part in the Battle of the Barents Sea  and in September 1943 it was used during Operation Sizilien. In November 1943, Z6 Theodor Riedel was  used for escort duties between Norway and Germany and patrols at Jutland, stationed in Horten. In the final days of the war,  the destroyer was part of the evacuation fleet in East Prussia and decommissioned on 09.05.1945. Taken over by the British, given to France in February 1946. Renamed as Kleber , in service until 21.04.1957. Later used as hulk Q86 , scrapped 1958.