 From 2 September 1939, until 25 October 1939, "U-16" took part in the laying of mines in open water in and around the English Channel, to hamper allied shipping.On 28 September 1939, "U-16" sank the Swedish 3,378 ton "Nyland".The 57 ton French "Sainte Claire" was sunk by one of the mines laid by "U-16" on 21 November 1939.