At the outbreak of World War II, Leipzig joined the force intended to prevent Polish Navy units escaping the Baltic. The effort failed, and the German light cruisers then laid defensive minefields against possible British intervention. In November Leipzig joined Deutschland, Köln, and three torpedo boats for another minelaying operation. Later that month she escorted Scharnhorst and Gneisenau through the Skagerrak and covered their return, showing how quickly a small light-cruiser force accumulated blockade, mining, and capital-ship support tasks.
Notable Point · 24:19-25:23
Leipzig's opening-war blockade, minelaying, and escort work
Leipzig moved from a failed attempt to contain the Polish Navy into minelaying and capital-ship escort duties, showing the demands placed on Germany's small light-cruiser force.