HMS Holly was a small Royal Navy vessel launched in Bermuda in 1809. Although specific dimensions are not provided, her service history indicates she was a relatively small ship suitable for coastal operations and support roles. Commissioned by Lieutenant Samuel Sharpe Treacher, Holly primarily served on the North America station, reflecting her role in protecting British interests along the coastlines and in regional engagements. Holly's notable service includes participation in the 1813 campaign at San Sebastián during the Peninsular War. She was part of a squadron that contributed to the siege of the Spanish port, where her smaller size allowed her to operate effectively in shallow waters. During this campaign, Holly was involved in supporting land operations, including the landing of marines from HMS Armada, which captured batteries and engaged French defenses. Her crew's efforts during this campaign were recognized with the awarding of the Naval General Service Medal, specifically the clasp "St. Sebastian," to surviving participants. In July 1813, Holly was involved in an operation at Borgidhero, where her squadron engaged French batteries. The operation involved landings and naval fire to neutralize French defenses, exemplifying her role in combined naval-land campaigns against French-held positions. Tragically, Holly's service ended in January 1814. While sailing along the northern Spanish coast, a severe gale caused her to lose her anchors and be driven onto rocks under Mount Aguillo at San Sebastián. The ship quickly broke up in the storm; her mainmast and other wreckage were used by the crew to escape. Lieutenant Treacher and three other crew members drowned in the wreck, with initial reports estimating total casualties at Treacher and six to eight crew members. Overall, HMS Holly was a small but active vessel, notable for her participation in key naval operations during the Napoleonic Wars, particularly in the coastal and siege actions along Spain's northern coast. Her wreck marked a tragic end to her service, but her contributions were recognized through campaign medals awarded to her crew.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.