Despite mounting casualties, heavy bombardment and the death of John Cooke, the captain of Bellerophon, the then Lieutenant Cumby ably took command, leading a charge that cleared his decks of boarders.

He had little chance for distinction during the next eleven years, but maintained a solid reputation for good service and efficiency.

He was then appointed Flag Lieutenant to Vice-Admiral Alexander Graeme at the Nore, serving in this role until 1803, when he was given command of the sloop Swift in the North Sea.

Once action was joined, Bellerophon rapidly found herself sandwiched between the Spanish Monarca and the French Aigle, both pouring fire into the British.

This enabled Cumby to board the Aigle, at one point picking up a lit grenade to extinguish it, and capture the vessel.

Proclaimed a hero after the battle, Cumby was rewarded with promotion to Post Captain and given the Polyphemus, another Trafalgar veteran.

Of H.M. Yacht Royal Sovereign And Captain Superintendent of Pembroke Dock Yard An Officer Whose zeal and professional services At Trafalgar and St. Domingo Deserved and received the approbation Of his Country His active kindness in promoting the welfare of others procured him the affectionate regard Of all who knew him The loss of one so kind and good Has taught his relations and friends How vain is every consolation But that afforded by Religion By Christian submission By Christian Hope Born XXth March MDCCLXXI Died XXVIIth September MDCCCXXXVII