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.

WRCNS Summer Work Dress

This light blue dress formed part of the summer uniform initially issued to members of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS).

WRCNS ratings received three such dresses, which were worn with a white summer hat. This uniform dress was later replaced by a light blue summer version of the dark blue winter uniform, which consisted of a skirt and jacket. Although the Canadian service was modelled on its British counterpart, Canadian Wrens were distinct in wearing light blue summer uniforms like these.

Work Dress, Summer
CWM 19590021-007