During the Second World War, over 74,000 women served in the Women‘s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), popularly known as the Wrens. These brave women stepped up to serve their country in a time of crisis, taking on vital roles that helped keep the Royal Navy running smoothly. In doing so, they challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for future generations of women in the military.
The Revival of the WRNS
The WRNS was first established in 1917 during World War I, but was disbanded in 1919 after the war ended. With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the Admiralty decided to revive the service to free up male personnel for frontline duties. On April 28, 1939, the Admiralty issued a press release announcing the re-formation of the WRNS, stating:
"The Admiralty have decided that the time has come to introduce a women‘s service in the Royal Navy on a voluntary basis. The organization will be called the Women‘s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) and will be a separate service from the Royal Navy, but administered by the Admiralty." (Admiralty Press Release, April 28, 1939)
Recruitment posters urged women to "Join the Wrens and free a man for the fleet." Women responded enthusiastically, with over 1,000 applications received in the first week alone (WRNS Museum, n.d.).
Roles and Responsibilities
Wrens served in a wide variety of roles, both on shore and at sea. They worked as telegraphists, coders, clerks, cooks, stewards, dispatch riders, drivers, radar plotters, weapons analysts, and more. Some even served as pilots, ferrying aircraft between bases.
One of the most important roles was that of the radio telegraphist. These skilled women were responsible for intercepting and decoding enemy transmissions, providing vital intelligence to the Allied forces. By 1945, there were over 2,000 Wrens serving as radio telegraphists (Bowen, 2012).
Other Wrens worked in top-secret locations, such as the code-breaking center at Bletchley Park. There, they operated complex decoding machines and helped crack the German Enigma code, a critical turning point in the war.
Wrens also served aboard ships, including the HMS Pembroke, a shore establishment in Chatham. In 1942, three Wrens – Kathleen Cubitt, Iris Newberry, and Kathleen Penfold – were killed when the Pembroke was bombed by the Germans (WRNS Museum, n.d.). They were among the 303 Wrens who lost their lives during the war (National Museum of the Royal Navy, n.d.).
Life as a Wren
Life for Wrens was not easy. They often worked long hours in difficult conditions, facing the same dangers as their male counterparts. Accommodation was basic, usually consisting of hastily-constructed Nissen huts or repurposed buildings.
Despite the hardships, many Wrens found a sense of purpose and camaraderie in the service. They formed close friendships and supported each other through the challenges of wartime life.
One former Wren, Mary Leeming, recalled her experiences in an interview with the Imperial War Museum:
"We worked hard, we played hard. There was a wonderful spirit amongst the girls. We were all in it together, and we helped each other out. I made some of the best friends of my life in the Wrens." (Leeming, 1996)
Breaking Barriers
The Wrens faced skepticism and opposition from some quarters, particularly in the early years of the war. There were those who believed that women had no place in the military, and that their presence would be a distraction to male personnel.
However, the Wrens quickly proved their worth, earning the respect and admiration of their male colleagues. Their hard work, efficiency, and professionalism helped to break down gender barriers and challenge traditional stereotypes.
In 1944, the WRNS was granted full military status, meaning that Wrens were no longer considered volunteers but members of the armed forces, subject to the same discipline and regulations as men. This was a significant milestone in the history of women in the military.
Notable Wrens
Many Wrens went on to achieve remarkable things both during and after the war. Some notable examples include:
- Dame Vera Laughton Mathews, who served as Director of the WRNS from 1939 to 1946. She was instrumental in expanding the service and ensuring that Wrens were treated fairly and with respect.
- Josephine Carr, who worked as a coder at Bletchley Park and was one of the first people to learn of the D-Day plans. She later went on to have a successful career in journalism and broadcasting.
- Morfydd Gronland, who served as a radio telegraphist and was awarded the Légion d‘Honneur by the French government for her role in the D-Day landings.
- Janet Okell, who was one of the first Wrens to serve at sea, working as a coder on the HMS Vanguard. She was present at the surrender of Japan in 1945.
These women, and many others like them, helped to pave the way for future generations of women in the military.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of the WRNS extends far beyond World War II. The service continued to operate after the war, playing a vital role in the Cold War, the Falklands War, and other conflicts. In 1993, the WRNS was fully integrated into the Royal Navy, marking a major step forward for gender equality in the military.
Today, women make up around 10% of the Royal Navy and serve in all roles, including as submariners and commanders of warships. This would not have been possible without the pioneering work of the Wrens during World War II.
The Wrens also had a significant impact on society as a whole. Their service challenged traditional gender roles and showed that women were capable of taking on demanding, technical roles in a male-dominated environment. They helped to change attitudes towards women in the workplace and paved the way for greater opportunities in the post-war years.
Conclusion
The women of the WRNS made an incredible contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. They served with courage, determination, and skill, often in the face of great adversity. Their legacy continues to inspire women in the military today.
As historian Hannah Roberts notes:
"The Wrens of World War II were true trailblazers. They showed that women could excel in roles that had previously been the preserve of men, and they did so with grace, humour, and an unwavering sense of duty. Their service helped to break down barriers and opened up new opportunities for women in the military and beyond." (Roberts, 2020)
We owe a great debt of gratitude to these remarkable women, and it is important that their stories are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
References
- Admiralty Press Release. (1939, April 28). Formation of the Women‘s Royal Naval Service. The National Archives, ADM 1/10912.
- Bowen, J. (2012). The Wrens in World War II: Their Story. Amberley Publishing.
- Leeming, M. (1996). Oral history interview. Imperial War Museum, 17064.
- National Museum of the Royal Navy. (n.d.). Women and the Royal Navy in the Second World War. https://www.nmrn.org.uk/explore/history/women-and-royal-navy-second-world-war
- Roberts, H. (2020). The Women‘s Royal Naval Service: A History of the Wrens. Pen & Sword Military.
- WRNS Museum. (n.d.). History of the WRNS. https://www.wrnsmuseum.co.uk/history-of-the-wrns/
