Battle of Heligoland

4 June 1849, Off Heligoland, North Sea

Inconclusive

The first action fought by an all-German navy. Karl Rudolf Brommy took three paddle steamers of the new Reichsflotte out from the Weser to break the Danish blockade, and came on the corvette Valkyrien off Heligoland. After an exchange of fire at long range Valkyrien withdrew into the waters of British-held Heligoland, and when the island's battery fired a warning shot Brommy turned back. No ship was badly damaged, but the Reichsflotte had shown its flag at sea.