In the 2010 celebration year we dedicated this rose as a tribute to our Shipmates, all the gallant men and women who served at sea and ashore in Canadian Navy, past, present and future.
Due to the serious wartime shortage of sailors for sea billets, the Navy decided to organize a women’s division of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) “to release a man to go to sea.” On July 31, 1942, the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service was established. The WRCNS, unlike other Allied female units, was not an auxiliary but rather a formed unit of the RCN and its officers held the King’s commission. At peak strength, over 6,000 women were fulfilling the various roles of coders, confidential clerks, messengers, telegraphists, cooks, stewards and some 35 other important duties. The WRCNS was disbanded in 1946. In 1951 a Wren section was reformed in the RCN, initially in the Reserve but becoming full-time regulars by 1955. Wrens continued to serve in the RCN and RCNR (reserve) until unification of the Canadian Forces. Women in the navy were still known as Wrens until the late eighties. Today, no longer called Wrens, women serve in the Canadian Navy, both regular and reserve, ashore and at sea.
The aim of the Canadian Naval Centennial was to build and strengthen in Canadians an appreciation for their navy and, as Canada is a maritime nation, to promote the role of the navy within the Canadian Forces. The focus was to honour the past, to showcase the current navy, and to reinforce the future.
“Commemorate, Celebrate, Commit” ™
The shape and colour of the flowers are a beautiful, dark red velvet, with a very light fragrance. Between June and the autumn frosts it has reflowering blooms.
Height & Habit: average, good vigor
Fragrance: light
Navy Lady was available in planting season 2010 at selected retailers across Canada. Our rose was so popular, it continues to be available at retailers in Canada and the USA.
For ceremonial events, we made every effort to have the nurseries reserve plants if you contacted us in advance, or at least we were able to let you know where you could get the rose close to you.
Many groups contacted the Wrens regarding plantings at Naval locations, Legions, Museums, events etc during 2010. Thank you so much for your participation!
Mailing address:
Wren Association of Toronto,
P.O. Box 14, Station F,
Toronto, Ontario. M4Y 2L4
or email us at navylady@thewrens.com
Hi, this is a comment.
To delete a comment, just log in and view the post's comments. There you will have the option to edit or delete them.