Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service | |
---|---|
Active | 1942–1946 1947–1977 |
Country | New Zealand |
Type | Navy |
Role | Naval warfare |
Size | Personnel:
|
Engagements | Second World War
|
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Ruth Herrick (1942–1946) Lorelle Corbin (1947–1963) |
The Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service (WRNZNS) was the female auxiliary of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Raised during the Second World War, most of its personnel, known as Wrens, served as signallers and operators of naval equipment on the Home Front. At its peak, it had a strength of over 500 serving personnel. The WRNZNS disbanded in 1946 but was resurrected the following year to compensate for reduced manpower in the RNZN. It was disbanded again in 1977 when women were allowed to serve with the Royal New Zealand Navy.