Last Update: 22 September 2024
During times of war, when telecommunications were unreliable and security was a constant concern, motorcycle dispatch riders — or “despatch” riders — played a crucial role in military operations. These skilled riders, tasked with delivering urgent orders and messages between headquarters and front-line units, were vital to the war effort. Notably, women excelled in this demanding role, navigating their motorcycles through treacherous conditions and often putting themselves in great danger, all in the name of duty.
Exceptional Women Motorcycle Dispatch Riders
In 1917, during the First World War, the Women’s Royal Naval Service (W.R.N.S.), popularly known as the “Wrens,” was established as the women’s branch of the Royal Navy. Amongst their many roles, Wrens served as dispatch riders, using motorcycles to deliver vital messages and orders in support of the war effort.
Initially Only Women with Prior Motorcycle Riding Experience Were Selected
They were disbanded in 1919, and then revived in 1939. This was at the beginning of the Second World War, with an expanded list of allowable activities, including flying transport planes and as motorcycle dispatch riders WWII by the admiralty and the Royal Navy.
One of the slogans used in recruiting posters was “Join the Wrens — free a man for the fleet.”
The Wrens initially numbered 3,000, but their ranks swelled to nearly 75,000 by the end of the war. Their duties were diverse, ranging from cooks and stewards to serving in all-female anti-aircraft teams. In the early days, only women with prior motorcycle experience were selected as dispatch riders. Many of these pioneering riders were already well-known competitors from local race circuits — a remarkable feat for that era.
Some of the first dispatch riders were well-known competition riders from local race circuits – way back then!
London-Based “Wrens” Worked Eight-Hour Shifts Day And Night To Deliver Messages
The Wrens, serving as motorcycle dispatch riders, earned widespread recognition not only from their fellow compatriots but also from foreign powers. During the invasion of the Low Countries, London-based Wrens worked tirelessly in eight-hour shifts, day and night, to deliver vital messages. Their efforts during the Battle of Britain were particularly praised, as riding through London became increasingly treacherous with the city in ruins from the relentless German bombing campaign. Throughout World War II, over 100 Wrens tragically lost their lives, serving their country with pride as motorcycle dispatch riders.
The Wren’s Today
The Wrens remained active until integrated into the Royal Navy in 1993.
There’s not much to be found at present about the Wrens, except for a remembrance and anniversary celebration here at The Wrens.com
The bravery and dedication of the Wrens, especially those who served as motorcycle dispatch riders, stand as a testament to the crucial role women played in both World Wars. Their willingness to face danger head-on, whether delivering critical messages across bombed-out cities or navigating through enemy lines, broke barriers and challenged societal norms of the time. These women not only advanced the war effort but also paved the way for future generations of women in service, proving that courage and skill know no gender. Their legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the immense contributions women have made throughout history.
4 comments
Thank you for keeping the work of the WRENS alive. Two of the photos here are of my mother, then Vera Jarvis, ‘Mick’ to her WRNS friends. She had no riding experience but having wobbled down the drive on the ‘test’ she rode back up in a straight line and that was that. This was 1941. She went on to work at Bletchley Park and it’s overseas outstations. She was based at Devonport in Plymouth but these photos are obviously London. She found out about Bletchley by having to collect and deliver there, and when asked she told me she knew Bletchley ‘like the back of her hand’.
Just read the peice on the wrns d r brilliant do you happen to know if a badge was worn on the uniform thanks
Hi there,
Thank you for posting the information about the WRENS. I wonder if you would have any information as to where they served in WW1. Did any women serve as Dispatch Riders on front lines?
Wren motorcycle dispatchers were responsible for delivering messages between station headquarters and embassies.