SMS G39

SMS G39 was a 1913 Type Large Torpedo Boat (Großes Torpedoboot) of the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I, and the 15th ship of her class.

Construction
Built by Germaniawerft in Kiel, Germany, she was commissioned in August 1915. The "G" in G39 refers to the shipyard at which she was constructed.

Service
G39 was assigned to the High Seas Fleet of the Kaiserliche Marine when she participated in the Battle of Jutland. She served as the leader of the First Torpedo Boat Flotilla in this action under the command of Commander Conrad Albrecht. Admiral Hipper transferred from SMS Lützow to G39 during the Battle of Jutland prior to his transfer to the SMS Moltke. After the end of hostilities, G39 was interned at Scapa Flow and scuttled. One of the crew members on her last voyage was Leopold Bürkner, who later became head of foreign affairs intelligence during the Third Reich. He was interned until 29 January 1920.

The boat was salvaged by Ernest Cox on 3 July 1925.