A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Britton, James Suttor
BRITTON. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 14; h-p., 33.)
James Suttor Britton was born 20 March, 1781. This officer entered the Navy (into which he was impressed), 20 Dec. 1800, as Ordinary, on board the Prompte 20, Capt. Thos. Philpot, on the West India station; removed in May, 1801, to the Active 38, Capts. Chas. Sydney Davers and Rich. Hussey Moubray, with whom he served four years in the Mediterranean; then joined, as A.B., the Thunderer 74, Capts. Wm. Lechmere and John Talbot; and, in the course of 1805, was present in Sir Robert Calder’s action, Lord Nelson’s pursuit of the Franco-Spanish fleet to the West Indies, and ultimately in the battle of Trafalgar. He was also in the same ship at the defence of Gaeta and the passage of the Dardanells, besides participating in much active boat-service. In Nov. 1808, Mr. Britton joined the Wildboar 10, Capt. Thos. Burton, and while in that vessel, in which he had attained the rank of Quarter-master, was wrecked on the Rundlestone rock, between Scilly and Land’s-End, in Feb. 1810. He immediately afterwards became Master’s Mate of the Primrose 18, Capts. T. Burton and Chas. Geo. Rodney Phillott, stationed in the Baltic and Channel; passed his examination 6 Feb. 1812; joined, in July following, the Mulgrave 74, Capt. Thos. Jas. Maling, with whom he proceeded to the Mediterranean; and was promoted (from the Impregnable 98, Capt. Robt Hall, lying at Plymouth) to the rank of Lieutenant 4 Feb. 1815. He has since been on half-pay.
Lieut. Britton, who has been twice married, has issue six children.