On 17 November 1917, the Grand Fleet launched a major sortie on German forces in the North Sea - a force of cruisers and destroyers, supported by battlecruisers, and with a squadron of battleships in distant support, was to attack German minesweepers in the Heligoland Bight. "Saumarez" formed part of the escort for the covering force of the battleships of the 1st Battle Squadron, sailing a few hours behind the main force. The operation resulted in the inconclusive Second Battle of Heligoland Bight.