Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service – WWII to Vietnam War

In 1942, women were authorised to enter into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as part of the ‘Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service’ (WRANS). Recruits worked in 27 naval occupations but were not permitted to serve at sea. Duties included working as telegraphists, coders, clerks, drivers, mechanics, cooks and harbour messengers.  Over 3,00 women served in the WRANS during WWII.