[Working entry only] Framed and glazed watercolour, which comprises the seventh in a set with PAJ3097 and PAJ3098 (both of which comprise three images). They make up a narrative sequence of views of the Battle of the Falkland Islands, 8 December 1914, and were probably painted fairly shortly afterwards. A label on the back of the frame here has the following title: 'VII The Gneisenau's last salvo, Carnarvon short.' A label marked '49c' on the glass at bottom right is an old lot or inventory number of no other significance. Another label attached to the frame has the address of the previous owner: 'STAVELEY 19 Liskeard Gardens Blackheath S.E.3.'

At the time of the Battle of the Falklands, Lieutenent-Commander Bennett, the artist, was a lieutenant and the navigating officer on board the battleship 'Canopus', which for practical reasons (essentially her inadequate speed) was acting as temporary guardship at Port Stanley and remained there, despite firing the opening salvoes of the action at von Spee's scouting cruisers 'Gneisenau' and 'Nurnburg'. The label on the frame of this item is a little unclear, but seems to suggest that the 'last salvo' shown is that fired by the 'Carnarvon' at the sinking 'Gneisenau' to the right (i.e., not by the 'Gneisenau') and that it fell short. The ship in the left background is either the British 'Invincible' or 'Inflexible'. For other detail see PAJ3097. [BTodd/PvdM 1/13]