The 20th century witnessed considerable activity for the Royal Navy (RN), including two world wars and the Falklands War in 1982. Throughout this period there were many changes. Quite apart from significant developments in ship design and armaments, the service evolved to include women among its ranks. This began with the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1917, but in 1993 a separate service for women was abandoned and female personnel were fully integrated into the RN.
OFFICERS AND RATINGS
When we think of naval officers we tend to imagine officers of the military or executive branch, who are broadly responsible for commanding ships and taking them into action when necessary. This chain of command includes lieutenants, captains and admirals, who are referred to as commissioned officers.
Yet some specialists were appointed
