Ranks and Uniform
The WRNS had its own ranking system, which it retained until amalgamation into the Royal Navy in 1993.
| 1917–1919 ranks | 1939–1993 ranks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers | Ratings | Commissioned Officers | ||
| WRNS rank | WRNS rank | Equivalent RN rank | WRNS rank | Equivalent RN rank |
| Assistant Principal | Ordinary Wren | Ordinary Seaman | Third Officer | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Deputy Principal | Wren | Able Seaman | Second Officer | Lieutenant |
| Principal | Leading Wren | Leading Seaman | First Officer | Lieutenant-Commander |
| Deputy Divisional Director | Petty Officer Wren | Petty Officer | Chief Officer | Commander |
| Divisional Director | Chief Wren | Chief Petty Officer | Superintendent | Captain |
| Deputy Assistant Director | Commandant/Director | Commodore/Rear-Admiral | ||
| Assistant Director | Chief Commandant/Commandant | Rear-Admiral | ||
| Deputy Director | ||||
| Director | ||||
Ratings' titles were suffixed with their trade (e.g. Leading Wren Cook, Chief Wren Telegraphist).
Wrens wore the same rank insignia as their male equivalents, but in blue instead of gold. The "curls" atop officers' rank stripes were diamond-shaped instead of circular.
From 1939, Wren uniform consisted of a double-breasted jacket and skirt, with shirt and tie, for all ranks (although similar working dress to the men could also be worn). Junior Ratings wore hats similar to those of their male counterparts (although with a more sloping top). Senior Ratings (Petty Officers and above) and officers wore tricorne hats with a white cover. All insignia, including cap badges and non-substantive (trade) badges, were blue.
Read more about this topic: Women's Royal Naval Service
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