HMS Zephyr (1895)

HMS Zephyr was a torpedo boat destroyer of the British Royal Navy. She was one of 36 destroyers ordered under the 1894-1895 Naval Programme, and one of six designed by Thornycroft.

Zephyr was notable for being one of the earliest torpedo boat destroyers built for the Royal Navy, designed to counter the threat posed by torpedo boats. Her design prioritized speed and maneuverability, armed primarily with quick-firing guns and torpedo tubes to engage and destroy enemy torpedo boats.

Launched in 1895, Zephyr served primarily in home waters, participating in fleet exercises and patrols. She was part of the Eastern Division of the Channel Fleet by 1897. As an early destroyer, her career was largely focused on establishing the operational doctrines and tactics for this new class of warship.

Like many of her contemporaries, Zephyr was relatively short-lived. She was sold out of the navy in 1911, reflecting the rapid pace of naval technological development at the time. Newer and more capable destroyers had rendered her design obsolete.