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A depiction of an episode from the last major operation of the Seven Years War, 1756–1763. It was part of England's offensive against Spain when she entered the war in support of France late in 1761. The British Government's response was immediately to plan large offensive amphibious operations against Spanish overseas possessions, particularly Havana, the capital of the western dominions and Manila, the capital of the eastern. Havana needed large forces for its capture and early in 1762 ships and troops were dispatched under Admiral Sir George Pocock and General the Earl of Albemarle. The force which descended on Cuba consisted of 22 ships of the line, four 50-gun ships, three 40-guns, a dozen frigates and a dozen sloops and bomb vessels.
On the left of the picture, Commodore Augustus Keppel in the 'Valiant', is leading in his squadron first, an honour accorded him by Admiral Sir George Pocock. On the right Pocock's 'Namur', flying his flag as Admiral of the Blue, together with the Union flag and blue ensign, is shown following with the bulk of the fleet. For further details on the capture of Havana and the other paintings in this series, see BHC0408.
Serres probably arrived in England as a naval prisoner of war, took up painting and settled there. He was a founder member of the Royal Academy and at the end of his life its librarian.
Title
The British Fleet Entering Havana, 21 August 1762
Date
1775
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 122.5 x W 183.7 cm
Accession number
BHC0415
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
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