She was present with First Destroyer Flotilla on 28 August 1914 at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, led by the light cruiser "Fearless", and shared in the prize money for the battle. When HMS "Laertes" was seriously damaged and stopped in the water, "Lapwing" went to her aid under heavy fire. Lieutenant Commander Gye manoeuvred to pass a tow, but in getting underway the towing hawser parted. "Laertes" was saved only by the arrival of the battle cruiser "Lion".