HMS Assistance was a British Royal Navy ship launched in 1855. It was a wooden screw sloop, designed for various naval operations, including patrol and support missions. The ship played a role during the Crimean War, assisting in the supply and transport of troops and materials. In 1860, HMS Assistance was involved in the Second Opium War in China, where it supported British forces. The ship was eventually sold in 1883 after serving for nearly three decades, reflecting the changing needs of the Royal Navy and advancements in naval technology.