Merchantmen Collection

U-Boats - Cutaway
The internal accommodation of a U-boat as it prepares to attack a convoy of Allied merchantmen : though labelled U-65, the Germans did not at this time possess 65 U-boats

WW2 - Atlantic Convoy at sea as seen from an escort Corvette
WW2 - Between Sunset and Darkness. Atlantic Convoy at sea as seen from an escort Corvette Date: 1941

A Change of Wind in the Downs, Merchantmen making for the Thames (engraving)
1609432 A Change of Wind in the Downs, Merchantmen making for the Thames (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Change of Wind in the Downs)

WW2 - Corvette Screening Merchantmen from Enemy attacks
WW2 - A corvette screening a convoy of Merchantmen, bringing them safely home protected from enemy attacks. 1941

Capture of Russian Merchantmen in the Gulf of Viborg (engraving)
2785556 Capture of Russian Merchantmen in the Gulf of Viborg (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Capture of Russian Merchantmen in the Gulf of Viborg)

The Confederate sloop-of-war Sumter capturing two Federal merchantmen off Gibraltar (coloured engraving)
728777 The Confederate sloop-of-war Sumter capturing two Federal merchantmen off Gibraltar (coloured engraving) by English School

Merchantmen Off Boston Harbor, 1863 (oil on canvas)
2652555 Merchantmen Off Boston Harbor, 1863 (oil on canvas) by Lane, Fitz Henry (1804-65); 61.6x100 cm; Shelburne Museum, Vermont, USA; eShelburne Museum; Museum purchase

The War of the Mines (Colour Litho)
2783960 The War of the Mines (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Mine War)

British naval convoy system by G. H. Davis
The method of safeguarding the freedom of the seas: the British naval convoy system at work. Making the high seas safe for Allied

A Dutch Barge and Merchantmen Running out of Rotterdam Signed and dated, lower right: " CStanfield RA | 1856", Clarkson Stanfield, 1793-1867, British

Armed Merchantmen off the Dutch Coast Preparing to Set Sail, Attributed to Abraham de Verwer, ca. 1600-ca. 1650, Dutch

Merchantmen and other shipping in the English Channel Oil on canvas by the British painter George Chambers (1803-1840)

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Merchantmen have long played a vital role in global trade, navigating treacherous waters and facing numerous challenges throughout history. In the midst of World War II, U-Boats lurked beneath the surface, posing a constant threat to these brave vessels. As seen in a captivating cutaway illustration, they were not only vulnerable on the open sea but also faced perilous situations such as an Atlantic Convoy under attack. To counter these dangers, the British naval convoy system was implemented by G. H. Davis, ensuring that merchantmen had protection from escort Corvettes like never before. The image of this system at work showcases the resilience and determination of those involved. Reflecting back on ancient times, we are reminded of Joseph's story when he was sold by his brethren through a vividly colored engraving. Just as Joseph faced unexpected trials and tribulations during his journey, so too did merchantmen encounter unforeseen obstacles like mines lurking ominously in sight. The ever-changing winds brought both hope and uncertainty for merchantmen making their way towards the Thames as depicted in an enchanting engraving titled "A Change of Wind in the Downs. " These resilient ships pressed forward despite adversity. During WWII, corvettes screened merchantmen from enemy attacks with unwavering dedication. Their presence provided much-needed reassurance to those aboard these essential vessels who risked everything for international trade to continue flowing smoothly. However, not all encounters ended favorably for merchants; some fell victim to capture or piracy. An evocative engraving captures Russian Merchantmen being seized within the Gulf of Viborg while another depicts Confederate sloop-of-war Sumter capturing two Federal merchant ships off Gibraltar—a reminder that danger could strike unexpectedly at any moment. In calmer times amidst conflict lay scenes like "Merchantmen Off Boston Harbor" painted meticulously on canvas—an oil masterpiece showcasing peaceful moments amid turbulent times—reminding us that even amidst chaos there is beauty to be found. Yet, the threat of mines remained a constant concern.