DateEventSource 21.12.1812On the 21st of December, 1812, the British 38-gun frigate [HBMF Apollo (1805)|Apollo], Captain [Bridges Watkinson Taylor], accompanied by the brig-sloop Weasel, chased a trabaccolo under the protection of the tower of St.-Cataldo. As this tower was reputed to be the strongest between Brindisi and Otranto, Captain Taylor resolved to attempt its destruction. The boats of the two vessels were accordingly detached on that service, under the orders of Lieutenants [George Bowen] and Michael Quin. The enemy became so much discouraged at having Murat's Neapolitan colours cut down by the first shot from the Apollo's barge, that the tower was carried without the assistance of the ships or the slightest loss. It contained a telegraph, three carriage-guns, and three swivels, and was blown up.W005