Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, St. Sebastian (John Anderson)
GVF
John Anderson is confirmed on the roll as an Able Seaman aboard Serveillante.
In late July 1813, Surveillante under Captain Sir G A Collier was involved in landing operations off St. Sebastian, durning which she attempted to breach a battery. In so doing they established an artillery position whilst under heavy fire from the fortification. Several of her crew, and an artillery officer from the army, were killed. Surveillante remained in action against the French garrison on the island of Santa Clara, at the mouth of St Sebastian harbour. Collier announced that a successful attack had been made on 27/28 August, despite being under heavy fire.
In September Surveillante was present at the fall of San Sebastian. Collier wrote that the frigate's 24-pounders dragged over land and mounted on Santa Clara had silenced the enemy's guns opposing them in the Castle of La Motte. The French commander, General Rey, flew a flag of truce, capitulating to the British. Later Collier wrote "The garrison, still upwards of seventeen hundred, became prisoners of war, and are to be conveyed to England"
