The Submarine Flotillas began to move to their war bases on the 29th
July. By the 4th August they were ready to begin their work. The VIII
Flotilla ("D" and "E" boats) were at Harwich, a port which throughout
the War has remained the chief Heligoland Bight Patrol base. The "C"
boats were spread all up the East Coast, with a Channel guard at Dover
and a large number of them at Leith.
The Heligoland Patrol started on the 5th. The boats of the VIII
Flotilla not patrolling in the Bight guarded, till the 13th August, a
line drawn across the northern entrance of the Channel (between the
Belgian and English shoals) till the Expeditionary Force was safely
over. During the passage of this force it was fully expected that the
enemy would show naval activity and make an attempt to hinder or
prevent the passage of troops. Precautionary measures were therefore
taken. That the enemy made no attempt to interfere or to dispute the
command of the Channel was a surprise to our War Staff, who based their
calculations on what an enterprising Naval Power would do in similar
circumstances. A possible reason for the enemy's sluggishness at this
time is that he does not appear to have at all expected to be at war
with England.
"From Commodore (S),
To Chief of War Staff, Admiralty.
_7th August 1914_ (Midnight).
"Propose to postpone oversea operations from Yarmouth, and to
concentrate all submarines in area arranged until after transit of
Expeditionary Force. How many days will passage occupy?"
On the 14th the patrol in the Bight continued.
The following despatch is a typical report of an E boat's trip into the
Bight during these early days of war:--
H.M. SUBMARINE "E 6,"
_15th August 1914_.
SIR,--I have the honour to submit a report of the proceedings of
Submarine "E 6" on August 6th and 7th, when working in the
Heligoland Bight.
_August 6th_--
1 A.M. Slipped by _Amethyst_, 30´ N.N.E. from Terschelling
Light vessel, proceeded N. 69 E., 12 knots, making for
allotted area, and avoiding T.B.D. patrol.
3 A.M. Dived to check trim; day breaking on rising; sighted
two steam trawlers 4 to 5 miles to southward; dived away from
them; 3 miles.
4.25 A.M. Proceeded E. × S., 12 knots.
6.30 A.M. Altered course S.E.
7.25 A.M. Sighted German cruiser, _Stettin_ class, hull
down, E.N.E., beam on, steering N. (approx.). Dived E. by N. 1
mile to avoid being seen; cruiser too far off to attack.
8.5 A.M. Rose. Sighted trail of smoke and yellow funnel,
E.N.E.
Dived to attack, course N. 30 W., full speed.
8.55 A.M. Abandoned chase, enemy steaming very fast west
(approx.).
Dived to avoid steam trawler, which had passed over boat
during attack.
9.45 A.M. Rose. Proceeded to westward charging batteries.
11.30 A.M. Stopped. Charged on surface.
1.15 P.M. Proceeded S. 72 E., 12 knots.
2.45 P.M. Dived to avoid steam trawler, remaining on course S.
72 E.
3.40 P.M. Rose.
3.50 P.M. Sighted German large T.B.D., or flotilla cruiser, 10
miles to northward, steaming very fast E. Too far off to
attack.
4.15 P.M. Proceeded S. 51 E., 12 knots.
5.45 P.M. Position W. 3/4´ N. 23´ from Heligoland. Nothing in
sight except numerous trawlers, chiefly sailing. Turned to N.
60 W., 9 knots. Sea rough.
8.10 P.M. Increased to 10-1/2 knots. Many trawlers in sight at
nightfall.