Joseph McInnes - Original Naval Oil - HMS Tuna & HMS Forth Holy Loch WWII

Original Marine Oil Painting

Joseph McInnes - Oil on board “HMS Tuna & HMS Forth at Holy Loch”

Historically evocative WWII Royal Navy submarine scene featuring HMS Tuna and HMS Forth at Holy Loch, Scotland.

Key Details

Artist: Joseph McInnes
Title: “HMS Tuna & HMS Forth at Holy Loch”
Medium: Oil on board
Support: Board
Signature: Signed “Jos. McInnes”
Dimensions: Image: 30 × 40 cm (11.8 × 15.7 in) •
Framed: 44 × 54 cm (17.3 × 21.3 in)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal age-related wear consistent with period.
Provenance: From a private collection. Originally sold by Caelt Gallery, London.

Description

A superb and historically evocative original British marine oil painting depicting the Royal Navy submarine anchorage at Holy Loch, Scotland, during the Second World War. The composition features the famous T-class submarine HMS Tuna alongside the depot ship HMS Forth within the sheltered wartime anchorage extensively used by Royal Navy submarine flotillas. The painting beautifully captures the subdued atmosphere of wartime naval operations, with exceptional treatment of water, weather, smoke haze, and marine light. Its muted wartime palette and balanced composition give the work strong decorative appeal while also carrying genuine historical significance for naval and military collectors. Of particular historical importance is HMS Tuna’s association with Operation Frankton — the daring 1942 Royal Marines Commando mission later immortalised as the “Cockleshell Heroes”.

About the Artist

Joseph McInnes was a British painter active during the first half of the 20th century whose recorded works include maritime scenes, coastal paintings, London street views, and sporting subjects. Known titles attributed to the artist include Baker Street, London (1937), A Game of Snooker, Coast and Cliffs, and the marine work A New England Seascape dated 1917. His works have appeared at auction in recent years, particularly marine and coastal scenes, with collectors responding strongly to his atmospheric handling of maritime subjects and period British views. This example stands out for its historically important Royal Navy subject matter combined with strong mid-century British marine painting qualities.

Estimated Date

Circa early–mid 1940s.

Provenance & Notes

From a private collection and originally sold by Caelt Gallery, London. An especially appealing example for collectors of British naval history, Royal Navy submarine memorabilia, and mid-century marine painting.