The Australian Women's Register

After qualifying at Stotts Business College, Marjorie Taylor (née Greer) worked as a legal stenographer until 1942, when she joined the civilian staff of the United States Army Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, Sydney, as Secretary in the Medical Section.

After hours she attended Morse classes at Mrs F V McKenzie’s organization, the Women’s Emergency Signalling Corps (WESC), and obtained sufficient speed to be admitted to the WRANS on 25 May 1943 as a telegraphist (WR1257).

She served in HMAS Harman, Flinders Naval Depot, HMAS Lonsdale and the Naval Control Office, Melbourne, as a Telegraphist, Leading Telegraphist (1 June 1944), and Third Officer (21 March 1945). She was discharged on 4 February 1946.

After the war Taylor taught for thirty-one years (1951-1981 inclusive) at the Metropolitan Business College; and became a Fellow of the Commercial Education Society of Australia.

A foundation member of the Ex-WRANS Association (formed in 1963) Taylor served as Secretary from 1973-1976, and has printed the Association’s magazine Ditty Box since 1970. She edited the magazine between 1970 and 1973.

Since 1974 Taylor has represented the Ex-WRANS Association at meetings of the Federation of Naval Ship Associations and since 1980 has served the Federation as minute secretary.

On the death of Jess Doyle (née Prain) in 1988, Marjorie Taylor was asked to lead the ex-WRANS in the ANZAC March of Remembrance in Sydney, and continued this honour until 2003.