This picture was given to the NMM in 1976 as representing the British destroyer 'Montrose' entering Reykjavik harbour, Iceland, during the Second World War. This is at least plausible, since while Iceland was a neutral territory during the war, it was occupied by British forces in May 1940 in order to pre-empt a likely German invasion until the USA took over stewardship of the island when British troops were needed elsewhere. However, an Icelandic correspondent has now (April 2013) expressed the view that the scene is not Reyjavik or any other Icelandic port, but perhaps more probably one on the Scandinavian mainland. Given the vessel was employed on Arctic convoy duties, this seems likely.

The ship flies a blue and white flag at the main, together with the white ensign at her stern. Her upper works are also heavily iced-up, consistent with Arctic service. A town is visible on the left with snow-covered mountains towering up behind it, partly obscured by low cloud, and this limited visibility is repeated through the depiction of smoke billowing from the funnels of the ship. Snow is also visible on the terracotta roofs of the buildings. The artist has employed a limited palette of blues and greys to create both the impression of cold to city and ship alike. 'Montrose' was a fleet destroyer built in 1919 and sunk in 1944.

The artist worked for the 'Illustrated London News' and the 'Sphere'. During the Second World War he painted naval actions with a closely observed and highly detailed finish, presenting a heightened sense of the drama of events such as this, and these appeared as double-page spreads. The painting is signed 'C E Turner'. [amended PvdM 4/13]