Lot 167: William McDowell (British, 1888-1950) The cruiser H.M.S. Cumberland at sea in a heavy swell

The cruiser H.M.S. Cumberland at sea in a heavy swell
signed 'William McDowell and dated 1927 (lower left)
oil on canvas
68.6 x 122cm (27 x 48 1/16in).

One of the 'Kent' class cruisers, Cumberland was built by Vickers, Armstrong at Barrow-in-Furness and laid down in 1924. Launched by the Countess of Carlisle in March 1926 and completed the following year, she was 9,750 tons displacement and measured 630 feet in length with a 68 foot beam. Capable of 31 knots, she mounted a main armament of 8-8in. guns and carried a complement of 679 officers and men. During the Second World War, she served with distinction in the South Atlantic (1939-41), with the Home Fleet (1941-44), the Far East Fleet (1944-45) and in the East Indies (1945). Laid up from 1946-49, she was then converted for trials until finally scrapped in 1959.