A special lecture is taking place at the Ulster Museum next Tuesday, November 28, to mark the centenary of the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
Pioneers to Professionals: Women and the Royal Navy is one of the events in Participate in Poppies, the events programme which accompanies the Weeping Window sculpture, by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, at the Museum.
Victoria Ingles, from the National Museum of the Royal Navy, will reveal stories of women’s involvement with the Navy, from before the introduction of uniformed services, including the story of Hannah Snell who dressed as a man to be able to join in 1945.
She will chart the history of the WRNS through from when it was formed in 1917 amid the First World War, its re-establishment as war threatened again in 1939 and events up to the RNS finally being disbanded in 1993 when women were able to serve in the Royal Navy, as well as more recent landmark decisions which have opened up new opportunities for women in the navy.
Victoria Ingles comments: “The establishment of the WRNS was a watershed moment which marked a significant shift in attitude towards the employment of women.
“Wrens, as women in the WRNS were soon known, were initially appointed in what were regarded as traditional female roles, as cooks, stewards and clerical staff. They soon turned their hand to a wider variety of roles with around 2,000 working on the naval air stations, others served as drivers, despatch riders, and porters.
“Since integration female personnel have played an active role in a wide variety of naval operations. Increasingly close to combat they have served in the Balkans, 2003 Iraq War and Afghanistan and gallantry awards have honoured significant contributions.
She added: “As women have gained in skills and experience across a broader range of roles they have risen through the ranks, a few taking on command of warships or key naval establishments. Further landmark decisions have created additional opportunities. The first female Submariners joined the Service in 2014. From 2019 women can join the Royal Marine Commandos – the last area to exclude women. Each of these milestones has raised debates about women’s abilities and suitability for these roles but the navy today is committed to employing the best person for the job whatever their gender.”
Some Wrens had the opportunity to serve overseas but most served in the UK, such as those who were based on HMS Caroline in Belfast. The ship’s community engagement team recently produced a film exploring the role of women from Northern Ireland in the Royal Navy to mark the centenary of the WRNS.
One of those interviewed was Holywood woman Patricia Shaw, who served on HMS Caroline from 1955 to 1989 as a staff officer.
She said: “I think it was a wonderful way to learn about the world and the people in it. You met all sorts of people from all sides of life. You travelled a certain amount and I think that was a wonderful way for a girl from Northern Ireland to broaden her outlook. The reserves opened our eyes to what went on beyond Northern Ireland.”
Hannah Crowdy, Head of Curatorial, National Museums NI, said: “This event, part of our Participate in Poppies programme which has accompanied the Weeping Window sculpture, will provide fascinating insights into the history of the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
“The Participate in Poppies series of talks, workshops, performances, tours and film screenings have been created for a range of audiences and we hope these will encourage discussion and debate around the themes of shared history, symbolism and identity through the Ulster Museum’s collections and connections to Weeping Window.”
The event takes place at the Ulster Museum on Tuesday November 28 between 1pm and 2pm and is free. To book tickets contact ulstermuseumreception@nmni.com or call 028 9044 0000 (lines open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm).
ENDS
The HMS Caroline film, which marks the centenary of the of Women’s Royal Naval Service can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7p2XWPZtG8