THE WOMEN’S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE
THE “WRENS.”
THE very latest war-work for girls is the Women’s Royal Naval Service. The W. R. N. S. has already received a popular name, and everyone is calling it the "Wrens." It looks as if it is to be a very popular corps, for Jack Tar is always such a favourite all the girls will want to work for him.
Some girls simply have no idea what work the "Wrens" will do. One girl said it was no use her joining, for "she was such a bad sailor." So, first of all, let me tell you all the work is on land, and there is no foreign work either. All will work at home. Some will be in London, others at the coast—especially the East, North-East, and South-East Coat.
IF YOU LIVE ON THE COAST.
ONE chief point of the service is to recruit local women, so that they can live at home while at their work. Of course, this will not always be possible, but it will be what the "Heads'' will always aim at. It is a gain to the workers, as it is so much cheaper than boarding elsewhere, and more comfortable.
THE GIRL WHO IS WANTED.
ANY girl over eighteen can join the corps if she is medically fit, and can give good references. What is wanted is the kind of girl who is really anxious to do her share of war-work—not the slacker.
There is a demand for every type of worker, the skilled and the unskilled—clerks, typists, telephone operators, and, of course, cooks.
Was there ever a time when the woman cook was so much in demand? For the inner man must be looked after if the outer man is to do good work.
Motor drivers are also wanted (these must be well experienced). Photographers, tracers, store-keepers; in fact, girls for all kinds of work that women can do to replace the rating. All these will come as women in the ranks, the officers will act as directors, principals and section leaders.
THE GIRLS IN BLUE.
THE first group of the W.R.N.S. to start work is London, and almost directly after the coast towns follow on, and before very long we shall all become quite familiar with the "girls in blue." No girl will be taken who is already engaged in Government work unless she obtains special permission to leave. The age is from eighteen upwards. This should give a good opportunity to women who, while still good workers, are beyond the age limit for some kinds of war-work, provided the authorities think the applicant suitable, and she can pass the medical board.
THE PAY YOU MAY EXPECT.
THE pay is different for the various kinds of work, so that one cannot state a general rule. It may be 25s. a week, or it may be 40s.; the more highly skilled the work the better the pay. If a girl is a good worker, she will be sure to gain promotion in course of time, if the war continues, as with each class or sub-class there a minimum and a maximum figure for the pay.
Arrangement-are made to lodge the women in hostels or billets, in the caw of those not living at home. About 14s. a week will be deducted from their pay for board, lodging and washing. Those who live at home will not have any deduction made from their pay. If a girl is sick while at a hostel or billet, she will receive free medical attendance; if in her own home she will receive medical attendance under the National Insurance Act.
A fortnight's leave with pay will be given each year. When a woman joins her travelling expenses will be paid, also if she is transferred to another place; and when her engagement is at an end, her expenses are refunded, so that in no way is a girl out of pocket. The hours work out about the usual war-hours, and as the work is so varied it is impossible to say if it is heavy or light, so much depends on the work and the worker; it certainly is nothing like the work in some branches of war-work. A very neat but smart uniform is provided free—blue, of course. It is of a really good material and well made. It is very neat and business-like, but very smart. There is a long, wide coat, and for officers a skirt and coat, and such a useful hat. The coats have a typical sailor collar. As it is the latest uniform, it has all the best points in it, and those who designed it may well feel satisfied with the result. A "Wren" looks what she is, a useful war-worker, and quite a "Miss" Jack Tar. The entire outfit is a very suitable one, and will please even the zealous war-worker—well, she is only a woman, after all, and does like to look nice, besides the photo of her and her uniform that must go off to the Front.
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| An officer is addressed as Ma'am. |
THE best place to get all particulars, and the most convenient, is the nearest Labour Bureau, or, as it is now called, the Employment Exchange. If you are a skilled worker, enter for your own work. If you have never done anything before, do not let that prevent you joining up; you will be useful somewhere at some job, and then you will have the satisfaction of helping and working for those who by day and by night guard our shores, and to whose constant vigil we owe the very food we eat.
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