The German trawler V 201 Seydlitz was built in 1936 by Seebeckwerft AG as a civilian fishing vessel with yard number 570. She measured 49.40 metres (162 ft 1 in) in length, with a beam of 8.03 metres (26 ft 4 in) and a depth of 3.76 metres (12 ft 4 in). The ship had a gross register tonnage (GRT) of 449 and a net register tonnage (NRT) of 167. Her propulsion was provided by a triple expansion steam engine, manufactured by Deschimag, Wesermünde. The engine featured cylinders of 36.0 cm, 55 cm, and 90.0 cm in diameter, with a stroke of 64.9 cm, rated at 98 nhp, enabling the vessel to reach a speed of approximately 10.5 knots. Initially, Seydlitz operated as a civilian fishing trawler, bearing the code letters DFCP and the fishing boat registration PG 508. Her role changed dramatically during World War II when, on 1 October 1939, she was requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine and converted into a Vorpostenboot (patrol boat). She was assigned to the 2nd Vorpostenflotille and initially designated V 201 Seydlitz, later redesignated V 211 Seydlitz on 20 October 1939. Throughout her wartime service, she operated primarily in the North Sea from 1939 to 1940 and in the English Channel from 1940 until 1944. Seydlitz’s service ended when she was bombed and sunk by British fighter-bombers on 20 March 1944 in the English Channel, between Guernsey and Barfleur. The sinking resulted in the loss of 27 crew members. The wreck now rests approximately 50 metres below the surface, marking the final chapter of her maritime history. Her service as a Vorpostenboot and her role during the war highlight her contribution to the Kriegsmarine’s patrol operations in European waters during World War II.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.