Home Fleet Escorts the Royal Squadron

The scene here painted by Frank Watson Wood shows RMS EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA (Captain Archibald Meikle MN) wearing the Royal Standard and with the Royal Squadron in company - the light cruisers HMS SOUTHAMPTON (Captain F W Jeans RN) flying the flag of Vice Admiral G F B Edward -Collins CB CVO, and HMS GLASGOW (Captain C G B Colthart RN).

The Royal Squadron is being given a send-off by the Home Fleet as it starts its journey to Canada and is painted here steaming through the lines of represenatives of the Home Fleet (Admiral Sir Charles Forbes KCB DSO) wearing his flag in the battleship HMS NELSON (Captain A U Willis DSO RN).  Astern of EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA is the battle cruiser HMS REPULSE (Captain E J Spooner DSO RN) who, but for the looming threat of war which required her to remain in home waters, was to have carried the King and Queen on their voyage to Canada and the USA: the Canadian Pacific liner was used instead but REPULSE is clearly being given the place of honour here, tucked in closely behind the Monarch.

Astern of NELSON is the Tribal Class destroyer HMS SOMALI (Captain R S G Nicholson DSC RN, Capt (D) 6); and astern of her is HMS ARK ROYAL (Captain J A Power RN).  Out on the fleet flagship's starboard beam is HMS SOUTHAMPTON of the Royal Squadron and on her starboard beam, the light cruiser HMS AURORA (Captain L H K Hamilton DSO RN) wearing the flag of Rear Admiral R H C Hallifax CBE (Rear Admiral Commanding Home Fleet Destroyer Flotillas).  Other paintings of this visit of the King and Queen to Canada and the USA are to be found eleswhere on this website and on www.maritimeprints.com. (EMPRESS of AUSTRALIA, Canada, Nova Scotia, New York, HMS SOUTHAMPTON, HMS GLASGOW are all keywords to be entered whilst searching these two websites). 
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Explore our exquisite framed prints depicting “The Home Fleet Escorts the Royal Squadron, May 1939.” This captivating naval art by Frank Watson Wood illustrates a significant moment as RMS Empress of Australia (Captain Archibald Meikle MN), adorned with the Royal Standard, leads the Royal Squadron. Accompanied by the light cruisers HMS Southampton (Captain F W Jeans RN) and HMS Glasgow (Captain C G B Colthart RN), the squadron receives a grand send-off from the Home Fleet.

In the artwork, the Home Fleet is represented by the battleship HMS Nelson (Admiral Sir Charles Forbes KCB DSO), with the battle cruiser HMS Repulse (Captain E J Spooner DSO RN) in a place of honor, closely following the Royal Squadron. HMS Repulse was set to carry the King and Queen on their journey to Canada and the USA but was ultimately retained in home waters due to the imminent threat of war.

The scene also includes the Tribal Class destroyer HMS Somali (Captain R S G Nicholson DSC RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Captain J A Power RN), along with HMS Aurora (Captain L H K Hamilton DSO RN) on the fleet flagship’s starboard beam. HMS Southampton and HMS Glasgow are highlighted, marking their important roles in this historic escort mission.

Our framed wall art captures this remarkable event with detailed precision, making it a perfect addition to any collection of naval prints or historical paintings. Whether you’re searching for pictures for the living room or nautical decor, this artwork offers a stunning portrayal of Royal Navy history.

Enhance your space with this beautiful framed canvas wall art. Each piece is available as original art for sale with fine art shipping options to ensure your purchase arrives safely. Browse our collection for more naval art prints and historical ship paintings at Maritime Prints.