'Pioneering' Wrens compare stories with personnel on visit to RNAS Yeovilton

RNAS Yeovilton welcomed a special visit from female Royal Navy veterans, bringing together past and present female members of the Royal naval services, spanning generations of service and camaraderie.

With the oldest being 86 years old, 14 members of the Yeovil and District branch of the Association of Women of the Royal Navy Service (Wrens) were shown around HMS Heron before being treated to coffee and cake.

Yeovilton service personnel and veterans shared their stories, reflecting on the differences between serving now compared to over 35 years ago.

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"In my day, women did not go on board ship," said Kate Jones (74), who left Yeovilton in 1989 as a Petty Officer Wren Air Engineering Mechanic Radio.

"It was interesting to see the changes in the way things operated, I really appreciated the way the females and males are integrated and treated as equals workwise," she reflected.

The visit was organised by Lieutenant Commander Ellie Hollingworth (40).

"These women were pioneers. From being refused engineering apprenticeships in the civilian world and being forced to the leave the Navy when they became pregnant, we can see the progress made for the equal service that we benefit from today. It is truly heartening," Lt Cdr Hollingworth said.

Able Rating Amy Mclenaghan (21), an Air Engineering Technician on 846 NAS, started her naval career in 2020.

She found joy in showcasing her workplace to the Wrens, saying: "It was great to show them around where we work, as some of the servicewomen recognised our hangars and other buildings on base.

"It was lovely to hear from them what it used to be like and how different the working conditions were back then."

Meanwhile, the visit allowed others to reflect and feel gratitude.

"I will always appreciate the effort they must have put in to changing the policy to allow marriage and children for women in the forces.

"This allows me to have a modern-day career whilst bringing up two children," Yvonne Starkey (35), an Aircraft Engineer Chief Petty Officer, said.