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 4395). For details of the slightly complex history of the acquisition see BHC1590, the start of the set by modern NMM catalogue number.

In the catalogue of the National Gallery exhibition, Wilkinson described these cruisers as ‘handsome vessels’ with a ‘wonderful record [, having] fought in most theatres of war’ since 1939. Sailors are standing on the deck of one of them, watching the others in a relaxed but respectful pose. Machine and men are bathed in light, illustrating the close connection of the men with their ship.