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 4339). For details of the slightly complex history of the acquisition see BHC1590, the start of the set by modern NMM catalogue number.

The Japanese attack on the US Pacific naval base at Pearl Harbour, Honolulu, caused America’s entry into the war. Wilkinson’s dramatic scene gives a sense of the heavy casualties and damage sustained. Dark billowing smoke covers most of the canvas and contrasts with the clear turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. The small figures in the foreground are helpless witnesses to the momentous event unfurling before their eyes.