Heligoland Bight, Battle of

World War I naval battle between British and German forces 28 August 1914 fought in the Heligoland Bight, the stretch of water between Heligoland island and the German mainland used by the German fleet for exercises. The British launched a surprise raid on the German vessels exercising in the Bight and succeeded in sinking three light cruisers and a destroyer, a severe blow to German naval morale.

A British force of 2 light cruisers, 33 destroyers, and 8 submarines sailed into the Bight, surprising the German vessels there. These were principally light cruisers and destroyers; as it was low tide, the heavier German warships were unable to leave their bases. The Germans attempted to cut the British fleet off from its return route, but were surprised by a second force of British light cruisers. However, these reinforcements were unable to get close to the Germans because of the British submarines between them. The Germans got over the initial shock of the raid and began driving the British out of the Bight. The arrival of the battle cruiser squadron of the Grand Fleet, under Admiral David Beatty, reversed the situation once again and their heavy firepower sank three German cruisers. The rest of the German fleet then turned about and returned to their bases, while the British sailed out of the Bight.