British submarines which had been doing reconnaissance work on the
German coast since August 24 reported to the British commander,
Admiral Jellicoe, that a large force of German light cruisers and
smaller craft were lying under the protection of the Helgoland
guns, and he immediately arranged plans for leading this force
away from that protection in order to give it battle. Briefly the
plans made provided that three submarines were to proceed on the
surface of the water to within sight of the German ships and when
chased by the latter were to head westward. The light cruisers
_Arethusa_ and _Fearless_ were detailed to run in behind any light
German craft which were to follow the British submarines, endeavoring
to cut them off from the German coast, and these two vessels were
backed by a squadron of light cruisers held in readiness should
the first two need assistance. Squadrons of cruisers and battle
cruisers were detailed to stay in the rear, still further to the
northwest, to engage any German ships of their own class which
might get that far.
It was at midnight on August 26 that Commodore Keyes moved toward
Helgoland with eight submarines accompanied by two destroyers.
During the next day--August 27--this force did nothing more than
keep watch for German submarines and scouting craft, and then took
up its allotted position for the main action. The morning of the
28th broke misty and calm.
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