HRH The Princess Royal has attended a service of thanksgiving at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral to mark the formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) 100 years ago.
Princess Anne is also the Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy and will be unveiling a commemorative stone after the service in the Cathedral grounds.
The commemorative stone depicts the unique shapes of four female naval uniform hats from the past 100 years.
Read moreThis year marks the centenary of women being legally permitted to serve in the Armed Forces. As the nation pauses to reflect on the lives sacrificed in conflict this Armistice Day, it is important to remember the many brave women who have fought to defend our nation. The Royal Star & Garter Homes provides specialist care to many ex-service women, all with inspiring stories. Here we share one resident’s wartime experience.
Joan was 15 when the Second World War was declared. Desperate to play her part in the war effort, Joan fibbed about her age, declaring she was 16, so she could join the Air Raid Precautions (ARP).
Read moreSSAFA Ambassador and Special Forces Veteran Ant Middleton will be putting Vogue Williams through her paces to take on the Royal Marines physical fitness test. The test will include a 4.8km run in two parts in under 12 minutes 30 seconds, followed by timed bleep tests including running, press ups, sit ups and pull ups.
Read moreFriday, 10 November 2017
6.00 – 8.00 PM
Royal British Legion, Haig House, 199 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1AA
Every year, we celebrate and commemorate the lives of those who have fought and fallen for their country. Still, we know very little of the people they leave behind. We warmly invite you to join us in recognising and celebrating the lives of Britain’s war widows past and present, to listen to their stories, and learn about their experiences.
Read moreNaval Servicewomen and generations of former Wrens who served in support of the Royal Navy across the century gathered in HM Naval Base, Portsmouth at the end of September to celebrate 100 years since the Women’s Royal Naval Service commissioned in November 1917, during the First World War.
On Friday 29th September HMS Duncan, the sixth T45 class Air Defence Destroyer hosted an early evening reception for nearly 50 veterans and currently-serving women sailors.
Commander Eleanor Stack RN, HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer and Captain Bill Oliphant RN, Captain of HM Naval Base, Portsmouth presided over an all-female RN Guard at the evening sunset ceremony, led by Guard Officer Lieutenant Jane Pizii RN. Ten per cent of HMS Duncan’s Ship’s Company are women, including the Logistic Officer, Navigating Officer, Medical Officer, and her most senior Engineering Warrant Officer.
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Do you know an exceptional woman, man or team in UK defence? Why not nominate them for a Women in Defence UK award?
Women in Defence UK is an independent group created to provide a platform for networking, discussion and the exchange of ideas and experiences for the thousands of women working at all levels of UK defence. PA Consulting have been a key sponsor since its inception.
Read moreHeadquarters British Forces Gibraltar held its WRNS100 Anniversary celebration over the weekend of 9-11 June which proved to be a huge success thanks to the tireless efforts of the committee members, , CPO Claire Talbot, Mrs Charlotte Walliker, Lt Louise Moxworthy, Mrs Elaine David, MAA Claire Bell, AB Natasha Boddy and AB Claire Nicholson.
The event opened with a cocktail party in the Tower, with Cdre Walliker Command British Forces Gibraltar welcoming the ladies back to the Rock. There was also the opportunity for a brave few to visit HMS Ledbury.
Read moreSSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is celebrating 100 years since women were legally permitted to serve in the British military.
This July marks the centenary of the formation of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), the first time women were formally enrolled in the UK Armed Forces. Back then, women’s roles involved cooking, administration and mechanical work. Today, one hundred years on they stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterpart, with close combat roles in the Royal Marines, Royal Armoured Corps, infantry and Royal Air Force Regiment opening up to them last year.
Read moreWrens Walking Wales – an inspirational idea from WO1 Barbara McGregor RN, who persuaded WO1 Annette Penfold MBE RNR (Command Maritime Services), former CPO Wren Radar Annie Lagrue and L/Wren Radio Operator Larraine Cox to join her in walking 100 miles in 9 consecutive days from Newport, Pembs on 13th May, ending at HMS CAMBRIA RNR Unit, Sully, Cardiff on May 21st.
Read moreBlind Veterans UK beneficiaries and serving Royal Navy women. Blind Veterans UK beneficiaries and former WRNS (Wrens), enjoyed a special lunch at the charity’s Brighton centre yesterday (18/05), as part of a week of events celebrating female veterans.
They were joined by women currently serving in the Royal Navy to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wrens.
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Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
