Bawden had been commissioned by the War Artists’ Advisory Committee in 1940 as one of four salaried artists (the others being Edward Ardizzone, Reginald Eves and Barnett Freedmen) to join the British Expeditionary Forces in France. Bawden was sent Halluin on the French/Belgium border to record the 5th Manchester Regiment building blockhouses. Following the German invasion of Belgium and Luxembourg Bawden was evacuated from Dunkirk.

This work was presented to the Collection by the War Artists' Advisory Committee.

Further reading:
Meirion and Susie Harries, The War Artists, Michael Jospeh in association with the Imperial War Museum and the Tate Gallery, London 1983