Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton commemorated 100 years since the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) was formed.
At one of the largest gatherings Nationally, Yeovilton hosted 250 ladies to celebrate WRNS 100 with some travelling from as far as Australia and Canada to participate.
With the youngest attendee at 25 and the oldest a spritely 94, it was wonderful to see the all come together at Royal Navy Historic Flight where the only Flying Mk1 Swordfish aircraft stood side by side with the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft The Wildcat, representing the past , present and future.
All of the Serving and Ex Serving women of the Royal Navy enjoyed a cream tea before partaking in a tour of the hangar and a chance to revel in RNAS Yeoviltons rich history of which many have been part. Stories were exchanged, old friendships rekindled and new ones made.
The ladies gathered in the evening to continue celebrations with a formal dinner in the Senior Rates’ mess in company of Commodore Inga Kennedy.
At the launch of WRNS 100 earlier this year, with HRH The Princess Royal, Cdre Kennedy said:“The formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service 100 years ago was really important milestone in the employment of women within the Royal Navy.
"Their achievements laid the foundations for the integrated naval service that we have today.”
The oldest Lady at the event was Connie Gregory (94) with the youngest being MA (Medical assistant) Amy Meadows (25).
Connie Gregory from Bristol was definitely drawing a crowd at the WRNS 100 event, not just for her sprightliness at 94 but also the fact that she plays the piano every week on Brunel’s SS Great Britain and onboard at 91 she climbed 15 rungs of rigging of the former passenger steam ship.
Last year Connie climbed to the top of Vesuvius. She said: "It’s lovely to be here, WRNS 100 hundred is a very special year.
"I joined as an Officers Steward in 1943 but was honourably discharged in 1944 as I got married something I know doesn’t happen these days!
"If I were in the Royal Navy now I’d have a ball! Although my time was short I enjoyed every breath of it and events like today are super, everybody is so lovely.
"Absolutely wonderful here today I am enjoying every moment, thank you for having me.”
The commemorations continued in the Fleet Air Arm Museum where a Church Service was conducted on the Flight Deck of the aircraft carrier and readings made by some of the younger currently serving females from RNAS Yeovilton. The pioneering work of all WRNS paved the way for women in the Royal Navy today.
