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.