The Amethyst provides a striking example of small-craft longevity. This Imperial German A-class torpedo boat from World War I was raised and repaired in 1923 for service with the Estonian Navy. After the Soviet takeover of Estonia, it was renamed Amethyst and remained in service throughout World War II. A German-built First World War torpedo boat later fought the German Navy under Soviet control. Its survival until 1950 shows how older small combatants could remain useful when fleets needed every available coastal vessel.
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A German World War I torpedo boat returned in Soviet service
The Soviet Amethyst had begun as an Imperial German A-class torpedo boat, passed through Estonian service, and fought its former navy during World War II.