She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 4 July 1918 as SM UB-131.

[Note 1] UB-131 was surrendered to the Allies at Harwich on 21 November 1918 in accordance with the requirements of the Armistice with Germany.

She was wrecked near Bulverhythe on 9 Jan 21 while in-tow from Harwich to Falmouth to take part in explosive trials.

Like all Type UB III submarines, UB-131 carried 10 torpedoes and was armed with a 10.5 cm (4.13 in) deck gun.

UB-131 would carry a crew of up to 3 officer and 31 men and had a cruising range of 7,280 nautical miles (13,480 km; 8,380 mi).