After service on the China Station, the hunt for SMS Emden, the capture of German colliers, and the Battle of Jutland, Yarmouth became an early platform for shipborne fighter experiments. A Sopwith Pup operated from a short flying-off deck fitted over the forward gun, with F. J. Rutland shown testing the arrangement in June 1917. On 21 August 1917, B. A. Smart launched from the cruiser and destroyed Zeppelin L23 near the Danish coast. Launching a fighter from the cruiser gave the Royal Navy an improvised way to attack German airships when it had too few aircraft carriers.
Chapter · 32:11-34:33
HMS Yarmouth launches a fighter against a Zeppelin
A flying-off platform over Yarmouth's forward gun enabled a Sopwith Pup to shoot down Zeppelin L23 in August 1917.