Depth charging was an effective counter U-Boat measure used in both World Wars. Depth Charges were cylindrical explosive devices which were detonated by water pressure at a predetermined depth. The idea was not necessarily to hit the target directly but to damage a submarine's instruments from the resulting ripple effect of the explosion and thus raise them to the surface.

During the Second World War Muncaster was a lieutenant-commander, R.N.V.R. as well as a camouflage advisor. Previously, during the 1920s, he made many long distance voyages as a deck hand but also artist, including trips to Australia and the sub-continent. His experiences at sea led to his recognition for painting deck scenes. In particular this picture appears to have been made from the stern of a ship travelling away from the explosion.