This painting forms part of Norman Wilkinson's ‘The War at Sea’ series, depicting the work of the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and RAF Coastal Command, of which 53 were exhibited under that title at the National Gallery in 1944, and the full set of 54 presented by him to the nation via the War Artists Advisory Committee (this item's WAAC number being LD 4298). For details of the slightly complex history of the acquisition see BHC1590, the start of the set by modern NMM catalogue number.

The French harbour of St Nazaire had the only dry-dock on the Atlantic coast capable of servicing large German warships. In view of its strategic importance, the Royal Navy launched a raid on St Nazaire in March 1942. Loaded with explosives, 'HMS Campbeltown' , an obsolete destroyer, was rammed into the dock, which remained out of service until the end of the war. The searchlights, flak and columns of smoke heighten the scene’s dramatic feel.