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 4326). For details of the slightly complex history of the acquisition see BHC1590, the start of the set by modern NMM catalogue number. Matin Hopkinson has pointed out (March 2022) that this painting might be 'The Rescue Tug', which Wilkinson exhibited at the RA in 1944 (no. 1417) or related to it. [PvdM updated 3/22]