The Womens Royal Canadian Naval Service started 1942 as a means of having women do more support work in the army, freeing up more men for sea duty. At first women only served in Canada and the United States, but then their service spread to bases in Britain and Northern Ireland. Women in the WRCNS were popularly known as "Wrens". They served as secretaries and clerks, in the canteen, as map room plotters, wireless operators, in signals, and as drivers and mechanics. In all, over 7,100 Canadian women served in the wartime navy - none however, in any combat role.