While the fleet was consolidating in Wilhelmshaven, however, war-weary sailors began deserting en masse.[64] As Von der Tann and Derfflinger passed through the locks that separated Wilhelmshaven's inner harbor and roadstead, some 300 men from both ships climbed over the side and disappeared ashore.[63] On 24 October 1918, the order was given to sail from Wilhelmshaven.