The Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) was the women’s branch of the Royal Navy.
The WRNS (pronounced “wrens”) served locally with the Royal Marines in a number of support roles at the Depot in Walmer. In 1939 they stayed at The Fair Maid of Kent Hotel, which was opposite South Barracks.
The WRNS formed in 1917 for the First World War and disbanded in 1919. The Service was then revived in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War and remained active until 1993 when it was fully integrated into the Royal Navy.
The WRNS took part in the parade for the acceptance of the Freedom of the Borough of Deal, which was granted to the Royal Marines in 1945.