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.

Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service Pennant, HMCS Stadacona

This souvenir pennant combines the crest of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) (left) and the name of Halifax's shore establishment, HMCS Stadacona (right).

The bird atop the anchor in the crest is a wren, a reference to the name given to members of the WRCNS - "wrens". HMCS Stadacona was the naval barracks, and was also responsible for aspects of administration and training. During the Second World War, members of the WRCNS stationed in Halifax - some 1,000 by 1944 - were accommodated at HMCS Stadacona.

Pennant
CWM 19840011-002