HMS Fame (1896)

HMS Fame was a torpedo boat destroyer (TBD) of the Royal Navy, one of three ships in the Janus class. She was launched in 1896 and served during the early years of torpedo boat destroyer development.

Fame and her sister ships, HMS Janus and HMS Lightning, represented an advancement in destroyer design over earlier classes. They were designed for high speed and capable of engaging and destroying enemy torpedo boats, which posed a significant threat to larger warships.

The Janus class displaced approximately 275 tons and were armed with torpedo tubes and quick-firing guns. They were powered by coal-fired boilers and steam turbines, enabling them to achieve speeds in excess of 27 knots.

Fame's service history primarily involved patrol duties and fleet exercises within British waters. She was eventually sold for scrap in 1919, following the end of World War I, by which time she was considered obsolete due to the rapid development of larger and more capable destroyers. While she did not participate in any major battles, Fame contributed to the evolution of destroyer design and played a role in the defense of British naval assets during her operational life.