Volunteers in the Royal Navy during World War II: An Exploration of Numbers and Sources
The Royal Navy during World War II was one of the largest and most significant military forces of its time. However, determining the number of volunteers who joined as non-reserve, active members is a complex task. The exact figure is difficult to pinpoint due to a myriad of factors that influenced the Royal Navy's composition and operations during the war. This article explores the challenges in obtaining accurate figures and reviews the available sources and statistics.
The Evolving Size and Composition of the Royal Navy
During World War II, the Royal Navy's size and composition were in constant flux. The exact number of volunteers who joined on active service is challenging to ascertain, as the Royal Navy's personnel levels fluctuated daily. Sources cite a range of 800,000 to 1,000,000 personnel by the end of the war, with significant disparities between these estimates. The lack of comprehensive and accurate underlying data means these figures remain imprecise.
Ship Losses and Casualties
The Royal Navy lost approximately 1,300 ships during the war, many of which suffered crew fatalities. Losses of ships and their crew members add to the complexity of obtaining accurate figures, as it necessitates tracking specific days and circumstances. Additionally, aircrew and sailors lost on land defusing mines, and those serving on merchant ships all contribute to the fluctuating numbers. These variables further complicate efforts to determine the precise number of volunteers.
Empire and Commonwealth Contributions
The Royal Navy often incorporated forces from the British Empire and Commonwealth into its operational commands. For instance, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian, South African, and Indian forces served under the RN but not always with consistent British crew. The inclusion of these diverse nationalities adds another layer of complexity to tallying volunteer numbers.
Specialized Services and Locally Recruited Personnel
The Royal Navy had specialized units, such as the Somali Service, which, despite its name, did not have ships. Additionally, locally recruited personnel (LEPs), like the Maltese, served exclusively as ratings and officers and were not included in the overall Royal Navy figures. However, in cases of ship loss, their numbers were recorded. It is essential to differentiate between these specialized services and the regular Royal Navy.
Hostilities Only Ratings and Conscripts
By the end of the war, "hostilities only ratings" comprised a significant portion of the Royal Navy's personnel. These sailors were all volunteers, though there were some conscripts within certain ranks. For example, Officer Recruits in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) and particularly in the RNVR air branch were all volunteers, but some were later conscripted for officer training. The distinction between volunteers and conscripts further complicates the counting process.
Royal Marines and Auxiliary Services
The Royal Marines, an integral part of the Royal Navy, have a unique status. Sometimes included in the overall personnel count, other times not. Similarly, the Royal Naval Patrol Service and the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNAAS) comprised volunteers who were crucial to the war effort, particularly in patrolling and supporting operations across the Atlantic.
Conclusion
Based on the available information and data, it is estimated that approximately 80-90% of all men in the Royal Navy during World War II were volunteers. However, this figure includes those who were initially volunteers but later became conscripts. The Royal Navy's regular officers and men before and during the war were all volunteers, suggesting that the true figure may be closer to 100% in some respects, but it is not quite there due to the inclusion of conscripts.
For anyone with more accurate figures or additional data that can help refine our understanding of volunteer numbers in the Royal Navy during World War II, we would greatly appreciate sharing them.