HMS Niger (1892)

HMS Niger was a torpedo gunboat of the Royal Navy, launched in 1892. She was part of the Alarm class, a group of nine vessels intended for scouting and anti-torpedo boat roles.

Niger was built by Armstrong Whitworth at Elswick. Her design featured a turtleback forecastle, intended to improve seakeeping. Armament typically consisted of two 4.7 inch guns, four 3-pounder quick-firing guns, and torpedo tubes. Propulsion was provided by triple-expansion steam engines, allowing for a designed speed of around 18 knots.

In the early years of her service, Niger served primarily with the Home Fleet. As torpedo gunboats became increasingly outmoded by the development of destroyers, Niger's role shifted. During World War I, she served in a variety of capacities, including patrol work.

In 1914, Niger was assigned to anti-submarine patrols around the Firth of Forth. On 11 November 1914, while patrolling off Deal, Niger was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-12. A significant number of her crew were lost in the attack. The wreck of Niger remains a designated war grave.