 In early February 1945 , Admiral Scheer stood off Samland with several torpedo boats in support of German forces fighting Soviet advances . On 9 February , the ships began shelling Soviet positions . Between 18 and 24 February , German forces launched a local counterattack ; Admiral Scheer and the torpedo boats provided artillery support , targeting Soviet positions near Peyse and Gross @-@ Heydekrug . The German attack temporarily restored the land connection to Königsberg . The ship 's guns were badly worn out by March and in need of repair . On 8 March , Admiral Scheer departed the eastern Baltic to have her guns relined in Kiel ; she carried 800 civilian refugees and 200 wounded soldiers . An uncleared minefield prevented her from reaching Kiel , and so she unloaded her passengers in Swinemünde . Despite her worn @-@ out gun barrels , the ship then shelled Soviet forces outside Kolberg until she used up her remaining ammunition . 
