Britain took around 50 ships from the USA on a lend and lease basis during the Second World War. They needed extensive modifications, with much of the refitting taking place at Devonport. It has been suggested that one of the ships featured in this painting could be HMS Cambletown (formerly USS Buchanan), which was refitted and joined the Western Approach Command in 1941. She was used on the raid on the port of St Nazaire on 28 March 1942.

About the exhibition:

Your journey begins from the moment you enter the gallery, with a large-scale audio visual introduction narrated by Dawn French. The collections bring to life a story that spans thousands of years, from ancient Bronze Age settlements, to its growth into a powerhouse of trade and commerce and into today’s bustling maritime hub

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: The Box, Plymouth, Devon
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Charles Ernest Cundall RA (1890-1971)
Date: Unknown

Image Details
Date: 18 September 2025
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/49s
ISO: 320
Licence: Image of a ‘The Box’ asset. This image cannot be licensed.