28 April 2026 marked 85 years since the formation of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS). The WRANS was established in April 1941 when the RAN enlisted women for the first time at HMAS Harman.
Initially trained in signalling, the first WRANS members were employed as wireless operators and telegraphists. As the war progressed, their contribution grew to include administration, recruitment, mechanics, education and more.
More than 3,000 WRANS members enlisted during World War II, with a peak strength of 2,600 women making up around 10 per cent of Australia’s naval complement.
Disbanded after the Second World War in 1948, the WRANS was reinstituted in 1951 and continued until 1985, when its personnel were incorporated into the RAN.
On 17 October 2015 a memorial service was held at the WRANS Memorial, which recognised HMAS Harmanas ‘The Birthplace of the WRANS’. The WRANS Memorial at HMAS Harman is dedicated to those women who served in the WRANS and those who are currently serving in the RAN.
Pictured below are Alison Laura Armstrong, who served as WR/505 WRAN Telegraphist Alison Francis; Joan Ellen Olson, who served as WR/46 Petty Officer WRAN Telegraphist Joan Dixon; and Betty Janice Stokes, who served as WR/2238 WRAN Supply Assistant Betty Oxenham. These images pair wartime photographs with studio portraits made in 2016 for the project ‘Reflections – Honouring our World War Two Veterans’.
Source: Australian War Memorial & WRANS – Naval Women’s Association
