"J1" operated in patrols in the North Sea. In November 1916, a German force of half a destroyer flotilla, three dreadnoughts, and a battlecruiser set out from port to rescue two submarines and that were stranded in fog off Jutland. On the return, having only rescued one of the submarines, the force passed "J1" off Horns Reef on 5 November 1916. Two of the dreadnoughts, and , were torpedoed by "J1", earning her commanding officer, Commander N. F. Laurence, a Bar for his Distinguished Service Order. The dreadnoughts did not sink, but reached port and underwent repairs.