Image Gallery
-
Royal Naval Museum Collection
-
Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust Collection
-
Royal Navy Submarine Museum Collection
-
Royal Marines Museum Collection
WRNS Entertainment
Various photos, programmes and cartoons relating to Wrens involved in entertainment. Wrens starred onstage in pantomines, plays and musicals at locations from naval bases to troopships transporting them abroad. Such events added a touch of glamour and provided an alternative to the rules and regulations of service life.
Esme Healey Starring as Snow White
A photograph of Esme Healey, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service, acting in a production of Snow White. Healey was the lead role and played the part of Snow White. The pantomime was held at HMS Kestrel in 1939. HMS Kestrel was a Fleet Air Arm base at Worthy Down near Winchester. After the performance, Healey put together a small book to act as a momento. She included various photos of herself onstage. Additionally, she had the other cast members sign messages. The actor who played the part of the Prince, wrote "Best wishes to Snow White, We all admire her so, She was the party's leading light, The girl who made the show."