Richard and Samuel Summerland (variously known as Summerlin or Summerling in transcripts of parish records, etc.) took part in the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805.

The brothers served as marines on board HMS Polyphemus from 1804 to 1812. HMS Polyphemus (commanded by Captain Robert Redhill) was heavily involved in the action off Cape Trafalgar and after the battle was one of two ships detailed to escort the stricken HMS Victory (with the body of Admiral Nelson aboard) to Gibraltar.

Accounts state that HMS Polyphemus and HMS Neptune shared the towing, but that the seas became so heavy that the towline had to be released. HMS Victory was towed ceremoniously into the harbour at Gibraltar (by HMS Neptune) and accompanied by HMS Polyphemus. This was the first stage of the heroic homecoming of the body of Nelson.

HMS Polyphemus took part in further action including a raid on the the mouth of the River Garonne off Rochefort in July 1806, involving the capture of the French ship, Caesar. During convoy duty in the Caribbean in 1808, HMS Polyphemus was involved in boarding and capturing the French ship, Calibry . This action involved heavy “grapeshot and musketry” resulting in the death of one marine. Still in the West Indies in 1809 the Polyphemus was involved in successful action against the French garrison at San Domingo.

In November 1812, HMS Polyphemus was paid off at Chatham and subsequently was converted as a powder hulk, a sad end for a ship that had such a glorious record, including two historic sea battles (Copenhagen in 1801 and Trafalgar). The Summerland brothers would have been in all of this, with the exception of Copenhagen. What a tale they would have to tell when returning to Harrold.

Throughout their service they had each signed 4 pence per day from their pay to their mother, Elizabeth back in Harrold.

Richard Summerland (Summerlin/ Summerling) was christened at Harrold on 6th July 1783. His brother, Samuel was born in 1777 and christened on 10 March 1793. Their parents were John and Elizabeth Summerlin. Summerlin was a very popular name in Bedfordshire at the time. In addition to Harrold, there were numerous Summerlins in Stagsden, Felmersham and also in Carlton.