HMS Arun was a Laird Type River-class destroyer ordered by the Royal Navy under the 1902–1903 Naval Estimates.

On 30 August 1912 the Admiralty directed all destroyer classes were to be designated by alpha characters starting with the letter 'A'.

After 30 September 1913, she was known as an E-class destroyer and had the letter 'E' painted on the hull below the bridge area and on either the fore or aft funnel.

By September 1914, Arun was deployed to the Scapa Flow Local Flotilla under the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet tendered to HMS Marlborough.

[5] In 1919 Arun returned to Home Waters and was paid off then laid up in reserve awaiting disposal.