"V28" joined the 9th Torpedo Boat Flotilla, serving as the lead boat of the flotilla in October 1914. On 15 December 1914 the German battlecruiser squadron under the command of Franz von Hipper set out on an attack on the British east coast towns of Scarborough, Hartlepool, West Hartlepool and Whitby, with the intent of drawing out parts of the British Grand Fleet where it could be defeated in detail. The 9th Torpedo Boat Flotilla, including "V28", was part of the escort for Hipper's heavy ships.