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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.




Uniform, Leading Wren Lorna Stanger

This uniform belonged to Lorna Stanger, who served in Britain as a photographer with the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service.

The cap tally on her hat bears the letters "HMCS" for "His Majesty's Canadian Ship", which identified the wearer as a member of the Royal Canadian Navy but maintained security by concealing the identity of the ship or shore establishment in which they served. The right sleeve of her uniform carries a badge indicating her trade as a Leading Photographer (top), along with two chevrons (bottom) testifying to two years of completed wartime service.

Uniform, Service Dress, Leading Wren Lorna Stanger

Cap , CWM 19790488-001
Jacket, CWM 19790488-002
Skirt, CWM 19790488-003