An impression of a river-class P&O liner dated between 1882 and 1901. It may be set at the mouth of the River Thames and the ship could also be the 'Thames', which was one of several of the river-class ships built by P&O between these dates. The ship is silhouetted in starboard-bow view with its funnels and masts visible and is moving upstream under steam. On the right in the foreground are several fishing smacks. There are several rowing boats and the one in the centre foreground appears to be rowed by two Royal Navy ratings. The ship is flying the Royal Mail flag from the bow and the P&O flag from the main.

The colouring of the painting suggests that this may have been an interpretation created from a black and white photograph, and is probably not contemporary with the vessels depicted. Charles Pears was employed during the Second World War to reconstruct notable maritime actions and events. Pears painted some fine war paintings characterized by a visually exciting style derived from his work as a poster designer. The War Artists's Advisory Committee was created at the start of WWII, to establish an historical record of the war in all its aspects. There were three main categories: actions and events; documentary scenes of everyday life afloat and ashore; and portraiture. The painting was presented by the War Artists' Committee in 1946.