Royal Australian Naval Service

Women\'s Royal Australian Naval Service: Issuing stores.

The first 14 women in the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service were signed on in April 1941 as wireless telegraphists. 18 months later in October 1942 they were sworn in as enlisted personnel in the Royal Australian Navy. The number of women serving rapidly increased to 1000. The range of duties also broadened to include transport drivers, dental assistants, sick berth attendants, press relations officers, harbour messengers The women also served as supply assistants, medical, clothing and general stores as postmaster and postal clerks which entailed delivering mail to ships in port and on anchor.  Radar counter-measures and intelligence were among many other duties undertaken. Some women were also employed in classified areas, and sworn to secrecy.

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