Portrait of Captain Robert H.H. Harris, on board the Empire Mace

With vigorous brushstrokes, Smyth breathes life and swagger into her sitter, Robert H.H. Harris (born c.1903), whom she knew very well (he was her neighbour at one stage). Harris was the captain of the Anchor Line's Empire Mace, which, during World War II, would plough back and forth across the Atlantic, relying on its speed to avoid the awaiting U-boats. On 6th June 1944, D-Day, his ship was at the head of a line of vessels storming Gold Beach. Harris was mentioned in dispatches to the King for his services.