Lot 90: Eric Erskine Campbell Tufnell (British, 1888-1978) H.M.S. Montrose steaming away from the port of Dunkirk 9-3/4 x 14-1/2 in. (25 x 37 cm.) [not examined out of the frame]

Eric Erskine Campbell Tufnell (British, 1888-1978)
H.M.S. Montrose steaming away from the port of Dunkirk
her decks crowded with soldiers, and above, enemy aircraft surrounded by flak explosions, and in the background the port and harbor burning.
titled and dated "H.M.S. 'Montrose', Dunkirk June 1940" and signed lower right
watercolor on paper with gouache
9-3/4 x 14-1/2 in. (25 x 37 cm.)
[not examined out of the frame]
Footnotes

The H.M.S. Montrose was a Type 23 "Scott" Class frigate, commissioned in 1919. She had a distinguished career, making one run into the port of Dunkirk under heavy fire and rescued 925 soldiers. This watercolor celebrates that action. Commander Tufnell, a career naval officer from 1903 until his retirement in 1946, was a prolific painter of military vessels, mostly British actions in World War II.