Naval Historical Society of Australia
Preserving Australia's Naval History
The Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) was formed coinciding with the abolishment of civilian status for the wireless telegraphists already working for the navy. The WRANS numbers grew to 2,500 during WWII with the organisation ultimately disbanded in 1948.
RANNS established with 23 qualified nursing sisters in RAN hospitals and Miss Annie Ina Laidlaw was appointed superintending sister, with the equivalent rank of lieutenant commander.
The painting of HMAS Warramunga reflects a major article in this edition which provides a potted history of the RAN in the Korean War. The images of HMAS Adelaide reference the article about Adelaide’s Boarding party. It was only resourceful action by the ship’s helicopter, directed by the Flight Commander, that enabled the Boarding Party to be safely recovered, thereby averting an international incident.
