Tugs or minesweepers in the Mediterranean

Signed by artist, lower right. Wyllie completed many drawings relating to the Mediterranean, especially the Dardanelles campaign during 1915, but whether he did subjects there later in the war remains to be confirmed. The received title of this one was simply 'Minesweepers in the Mediterranean', but the vessels depicted are not fleet minesweepers or trawlers. The minimal mast, small size and single funnel indicate that they may be tugs. Alternatively, they may be Dance-class tunnel minesweepers intended for inshore and river work. This class was built in 1917-18, ten being in service during 1918, but not apparently in the Mediterranean. It is a fine watercolour and its exact subject may become clearer if the distant coastline can in due course be identified.

Object Details

ID: PAF1145
Collection: Fine art
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Wyllie, William Lionel
Date made: 1915-18 (?); 1915-1918?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: 115 mm x 246 mm