WRNS in Camera - The Women's Royal Naval Service in the Second World War WRNS in Camera - The Women's Royal Naval Service in the Second World War
Depicting the many roles of the Women's Royal Naval Service during the Second World War, WRNS in Camera is a fascinating photographic study. Initially recruited to release men to serve at sea, the women of the WRNS soon took on work previously considered to be beyond their capabilities. The authors reveal how Wrens undertook tasks and responsibilities which, cementing the vital role of women in the Royal Navy, set the stage of opportunity for future generations. They also show how the Wrens' work affected their self-esteem and sense of identity and how, having assumed a certain level of wartime authority, many found it difficult to adjust to civilian life after demobilization.

WRNS in Camera examines in detail the role of particular divisions of the WRNS during the Second World War. The Domestic Branch provided Cooks and Stewards for naval officers and WRNS quarters. Other categories consisted of Gardeners, Despatch Riders, Stokers and many others besides these; the, Clerical Branch was of particular importance in the top-secret preparations for D-Day. The Technical Branch included female specialists in a number of vitally important jobs previously the domain of men such as Air Mechanics. The role played by the Communications Branch in the success of operations including Operation `Neptune', the naval element of the D-Day landings, is examined, as is that of the Fleet Air Arm Wrens who helped keep naval aircraft in operation, often in isolated and dangerous conditions, throughout the War. Finally, overseas operations are considered in such places as the Mediterranean and the Far East.
Drawing on the extensive photographic archive of the WRNS Collection of the -Royal Naval Museum and the Lee Miller Photographic Archive, this is a highly evocative pictorial tribute to an often neglected aspect of Second World War history.