Falmouth had fought at Jutland before the August 1916 operation that ended in her loss. The Grand Fleet sailed after Room 40 reported a German sortie connected with another projected Sunderland bombardment. German planners intended Zeppelin reconnaissance and submarine ambushes to draw British warships into danger. U-66 hit Falmouth twice, but destroyer escorts prevented immediate follow-up and tugs began towing her at very low speed. U-63 penetrated the screen the next day and added two more hits; even then Falmouth floated for roughly eight hours, and only one crewman later died from wounds.
Chapter · 39:44-42:40
HMS Falmouth survives four torpedo hits before sinking
Two German submarines struck Falmouth during an operation shaped by Room 40 intelligence, yet the cruiser remained afloat for hours after four hits.