WRENS

WRENS. The Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), universally known as the Wrens, was the women's branch of the Royal Navy. First founded in 1917 during the First World War, it was disbanded in 1919 before being revived in 1939 at the outset of the Second World War. The service played a critical role in both conflicts, freeing up naval personnel for sea duty by taking on a vast array of shore-based and, later, limited sea-going roles. Its members served with distinction across the British Empire and in various theatres of war, including Bletchley Park and the Normandy landings.

History

The service was established in November 1917 by Dame Katharine Furse, its first director, in response to severe manpower shortages during the First World War. Initial recruitment focused on roles such as cooks, clerks, and drivers, with over 5,000 women serving by the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Following the war, the Wrens were disbanded in 1919. The imminent threat of renewed conflict led to their reformation in April 1939 under the direction of Dame Vera Laughton Mathews, who had served in the First World War service. During the Second World War, the service expanded dramatically, peaking at nearly 75,000 members by 1944. Wrens served in crucial roles from operating Radar and plotting aircraft movements to working as codebreakers at Bletchley Park, directly contributing to victories in the Battle of the Atlantic and the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Organization and roles

The Wrens were a non-combatant service, organized under a Director of the Women's Royal Naval Service who reported to the Second Sea Lord. They were structured into ratings and officers, with training conducted at establishments like HMS *Dauntless*. Their roles expanded significantly over time, beginning with traditional clerical and domestic duties and progressing to highly technical positions. These included operating the Chain Home radar stations, servicing Fairey Swordfish aircraft, working as Bombe operators for Ultra intelligence, and serving as plotter's and telegraphists in the Operations Rooms of the Royal Navy. A small number later served at sea aboard Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels from the 1990s.

Uniforms and insignia

The iconic uniform, designed to be practical and distinguish the service from the WAAF and the ATS, initially consisted of a double-breasted jacket and skirt in navy blue. The hat evolved from a wide-brimmed style to a more practical tricorne. Rank insignia for officers was denoted by blue rings on the cuff, distinct from the Royal Navy's gold, while ratings wore insignia on their sleeves. The service's badge featured the Royal Navy anchor surmounted by a crown, and members were often identified by the distinctive "HMS" shoulder titles on their greatcoats. The uniform became a widely recognized symbol of women's wartime service across the British Commonwealth.

Notable members

Many Wrens achieved prominence during and after their service. Dorothy Mary Eady, known as Omm Sety, was an Egyptologist who served as a plotter. Mary Sears was an American oceanographer who served with the WAVES. Ruth Bourne was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park working on Colossus. Philippa Duke Schuyler was a noted American child prodigy and journalist who served as a correspondent. Dame Laura Forster became a senior officer and later served as Matron-in-Chief of the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service. HRH The Princess Royal served as Commandant-in-Chief, and novelist Daphne du Maurier was a Wren during the war.

Legacy and disbandment

The lasting legacy of the Wrens was to permanently demonstrate the indispensable role of women in the modern armed forces. Following the integration of women into the full Royal Navy under the Equal Opportunities policies, the separate service was disbanded in November 1993. Its history and traditions are preserved by the Association of Wrens and memorialized at the National Memorial Arboretum. The service paved the way for women to serve in combat roles and at sea, a process culminating in women serving on warships and today serving in every branch of the Royal Navy, including as commanders of vessels and as Royal Marine officers. Category:Women's Royal Naval Service Category:Military units and formations established in 1917 Category:1993 disestablishments in the United Kingdom