To the memory of John O'BRIEN, Frederick WEAVER, William SMITH and Thomas SILNECK, seamen who were killed on board HMS Castor at the capture of St Jean D’Acre. Commanded by Captain Edward Collier at the capture of St. Jean D'Acre by the allies on the 3rd November 1840.
This memorial erected as a token of regret by their shipmates.
At rest in Msida Bastion Cemetery, Floriana, Malta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Castor_(1832)
Credit.
http://www.donald-adamson.co.uk/wp-...03/John-McLaren-Adamson-and-Jean-Bell-pdf.pdf
The logbook of HMS Castor records that two marines were permanently invalided out as result of the naval action of 3 November. These were Thomas Newdick (who lost an arm), and William Bailey who suffered leg wounds. In addition four seamen died on that day being John O’Brien, Fred Weaver, John Smith and Thomas Silneck. Three more died of their wounds later. On the
morning of 4 November, the landing party of HMS Castor was blown up as it entered Acre. “ The only untoward incident was another explosion in which several men were killed and Captain Collier of the Castor was severely wounded.”
4. John McLaren Adamson did purchase an illuminated scroll of sayings of the Koran in 1840. It exists still, and was translated in the 1970s. It is written in red, black and green inks on a long scroll of paper – more than fifteen feet long.
5. Captain Edward Collier survived Acre, and recovered from his wounds. He was awarded the Companion of the Bath (C.B) for his actions in the campaign. He became a Rear Admiral in 1850, and a Vice Admiral just before he retired from the Navy in 1857 at the age of 74. He was actually promoted to full
Admiral whilst retired in 1862, and died on 5 August 1872 aged 89.
6. The Castor retired to Malta for repairs after the battle.
7. Mehmet Ali’s revolt against Ottoman rule of Egypt came to an abrupt end in December of 1840, after the action at Acre. A peace treaty was signed which recognised Mehmet Ali and his heirs as hereditary rules of Egypt, providing
they withdraw all forces from Syria and Palestine, and return all Turkish ships held in Egyptian ports to Constantinople. Within a few months John McLaren Adamson and HMS Castor were back in Britain.
