On 18 May, the light cruiser SMS Danzig struck a mine about 45 nautical miles from Heligoland during one of the High Seas Fleet's advances. The damage left her unable to reach dock under her own steam. The incident gives a concrete example of the hazards Pohl's many operational precautions were intended to control. It also underlines the strategic problem: Germany could incur damage close to home without bringing the Grand Fleet to the favorable battle Pohl wanted.
Notable Point · 36:16-36:33
Danzig's mine damage during a cautious advance
The light cruiser Danzig struck a mine near Heligoland during one of Pohl's limited advances, showing that even tightly bounded operations still carried real risk.