French frigate Diane (1796)

The Diane was a 38-gun frigate of the French Navy.

She took part in the Battle of the Nile, managing to escape to Malta with the Justice.

In 1800, as she tried to escape from Malta, she was captured by HMS Success, HMS Northumberland and HMS Genereux.

She was recommissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Niobe.

On 28 March 1806, Niobe captured the 16-gun Néarque off Groix, which had just detached from Leduc's division.

On 23 December 1810, off Le Havre along with Diana, Niobe sighted the 40-gun Amazone and the 44-gun Elisa. HMS Donegal and HMS Revenge joined the chase. Eventually, the Elisa was wrecked near La Hougue, while the Amazone escaped to Le Havre.

On 24 March 1811, she sailed with a squadron comprising HMS Berwick, Amelia, Goshawk and HMS Hawk again chased the Amazone, which was trapped near Barfleur and scuttled herself to avoid capture.

HMS Niobe was eventually sold on 31 July 1816.