HMS Stag was a Niger-class fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, notable for being the first vessel to bear this name. Launched in October 1758, she was built at a cost of £7,136 19s 8d, with additional fitting-out expenses of £4,370 15s 2d. The ship was armed with 32 guns, categorizing her as a fifth-rate vessel, a classification that allowed for a balance of firepower and maneuverability suitable for a variety of naval duties during her service period. Constructed during the Seven Years' War, HMS Stag was actively involved in naval operations during that conflict, later serving through the American War of Independence. She was initially commanded by Captain Henry Angel. In 1777, she was reduced to a 28-gun sixth-rate frigate but was reinstated as a 32-gun fifth-rate in 1779, reflecting changes in her armament and role. Her service record includes notable engagements such as the recapture of the sloop Peggy and the cutter Hope in August 1781, alongside the Viper. One of her most significant actions occurred on 4 January 1782, when under Captain Robert Palliser Cooper, she captured the French privateer Anti-Briton. This vessel was armed with twenty-two 6-pounder guns and had a crew of 104 men. Anti-Briton had been causing trouble in the channel between Ireland and Britain, and her capture was considered a notable success. The Royal Navy subsequently took her into service as HMS Trimmer. On 18 June 1782, HMS Stag continued her privateering pursuits by capturing the French privateer cutter Victoire after an eleven-hour chase off Dungarvan. Victoire had been outbound from Brest, armed with two 8-pounder and fourteen 6-pounder guns, and had thrown six guns overboard during the chase. She carried a crew of 91 men and was a new copper-bottomed vessel. Her capture underscored HMS Stag's effectiveness in anti-privateer operations. HMS Stag was broken up in July 1783 at Deptford, ending her relatively short but active service life. Her operational history highlights her role in maritime conflict during a turbulent period of naval warfare, exemplifying the versatile and combat-ready design of Niger-class frigates.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.