Second World War
The Navy Ashore  - Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service

The Second World War saw close to 7,000 women in naval service. Founded in 1942, the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS), often called the "Wrens", performed a wide variety non-combatant roles ashore, both in Canada and abroad.

HMCS Conestoga

HMCS Conestoga, located near Galt, Ontario, was the training centre for new members of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS).

In the midst of Conestoga's buildings, former site of the Ontario Training School for Girls, a large White Ensign (centre), Canada's naval flag, flies from a tall flagpole. Intended to provide an introduction to military life, courses at Conestoga included physical training and drills, as well as instruction in naval customs and traditions. Following training at Conestoga, members of the WRCNS went on to further training, usually at establishments elsewhere in Canada.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19920141-011_p33