Of Robert Redmill, little is known. He joined the Royal Navy at an early age and was made a lieutenant in 1783, so it is estimated that he was born around 1765. During the French Revolutionary Wars, he was promoted commander in 1795 when he gained command of the Comet (14). He apparently took part in Admiral Hotham’s action of 14 March 1795 when the French attempted to secure Corsica and in the effort lost the Ca Ira and Censeur, but in Hotham’s dispatch there is no mention of either Redmill or his ship.

Redmill was promoted captain in 1796, took command of the Delft (64) in 1799 and remained on board until the end of the war in 1802. In 1801, he was involved in the Egypt campaign when the Delft transported men of the Guards regiments. For his services in Egypt, he received the Turkish gold medal from the Sultan, Selim III.

The Polyphemus became his ship in 1805 and in her he fought at the Battle of Trafalgar. She was located in the rear of Admiral Collingwood’s line and was late into action; she was briefly involved when the Berwick turned to follow the Principe de Asturias after she had been roughly handled by the Defiance. Following the battle, she played a more active role in assisting the Victory, which was much disabled and required a tow. Redmill’s men managed to get a hawser through the captain’s cabin to the bow of the Victory, and saw her safe into Gibraltar.

Redmill’s naval career ended in 1806 due to ill-health, and he died in February 1819.

SCC