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 4300). For details of the slightly complex history of the acquisition see BHC1590, the start of the set by modern NMM catalogue number.

This painting shows the RAF defending a convoy under enemy fighter-bomber attack near the British coast. Followed by a trail of smoke, an aircraft crashes into the sea, while pilots from fallen planes descend in their parachutes. Thanks to Wilkinson’s sumptuous handling of paint, the radiant sea and luminous chalky cliffs are imbued with a romantic feel which contrasts with the violence of the action.