She was sold to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1959, where she was renamed Graf Spee and used as a cadet training ship.

Flamingo was built by Yarrow Shipbuilders, Scotstoun, Scotland, was laid down on 26 May 1938, launched on 18 April 1939, and completed 3 November 1939.

In April 1941 she transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet and was damaged in December 1941 by air attack, whilst in support of military operations in Tobruk.

She then undertook convoy defence duties in the Indian Ocean and remained as part of the British Pacific Fleet.

After refit by Vickers-Armstrongs (Shipbuilders) Ltd at Hebburn-on-Tyne, she was handed over to the Bundesmarine on 21 January 1959, and was renamed Graf Spee.