The WRNS was created in 1917 to allow women to join the navy of the United Kingdom and fill non combat roles (such as clerk, telegraphist, analyst, etc....) so as to allow more men to be sent on operational duties. The service was disbanded in 1919 following the end of WW1 only to be reorganised in 1939 at te begining of WW2 and remain in existence until 1993 when its membership was joined to that of the Royal Navy.