HMS Hunter (1895)

HMS Hunter was a torpedo boat destroyer of the Royal Navy, launched in 1895. She was one of three Havock-class destroyers, the first destroyers built for the Royal Navy. Hunter, along with her sister ships HMS Havock and HMS Hornet, were designed by Yarrow & Company.

As a Havock-class destroyer, Hunter was characterized by her turtleback forecastle and two funnels. She was intended to counter the perceived threat of torpedo boats, and her primary armament consisted of a single 12-pounder quick-firing gun and three 6-pounder quick-firing guns, along with three 18-inch torpedo tubes.

Hunter served primarily in home waters throughout her career. She underwent several refits and modifications during her service life, but retained her fundamental design. The Havock-class destroyers, while revolutionary for their time, were quickly superseded by larger and more capable destroyers.

Hunter was sold for scrap in 1911. Her historical significance lies in being one of the earliest destroyers and a pioneering vessel in the development of naval warfare tactics and technology.