As of the beginning of the First World War, Vice-Admiral Friedrich von Ingenohl was the Commander of the German High Seas Fleet. He was born the son of a tradesman at Neuwied on June 30, 1857, and attained his high position through hard work and merit. He saw service in China in 1876 and 1895, as well on the coast of Africa. In 1913 he became Commander of the German High Seas Fleet. von Ingenohl did not meet with success during the First World War, with defeats at the Battle of Helgoland Bight in 1914 and the Battle of Dogger Bank in 1915. He resigned his command of the High Seas Fleet on February 2, 1915.