The WRCNS was modelled on the Women's Royal Naval Service, which had been active during the First World War and then revived in 1939.

[5] The WRCNS was disbanded in July 1946, but revived as part of the Naval Reserve at the beginning of the Korean War.

Between 1942 and 1946 close to 7000 volunteers enlisted in the WRCNS and served in 26 non-combatant occupations in Canadian naval bases at home or abroad.

The WRCNS made an outstanding contribution to Allied victory, paved the way for future generations of Canadian service women and raised questions about the equality of women in the civilian world.One of the departments was in charge of teaching anti-submarine warfare tactics to the captains of the vessels escorting convoys across the Atlantic.

Carol Duffus (née Hendry), explained in an interview how the wargame was facilitated and debriefed by the training commander.