Swans, noun

Forms:
Also SWANS.
Acronym formed on South African Women’s Auxiliary Naval Service, denoting this unit, or its members collectively; without the -s, a member of this unit. Also attributive.
1973 A.M. McGregor in Std Encycl. of Sn Afr. VIII. 116The Swans..enabled many young men who had been on shore jobs to be drafted to sea.
1974 E. Prov. Herald 23 MayFor the girls, naval cadets from the new training base in Simonstown, this is their first official sea-going voyage as ratings..or Swans to put it more correctly.
1976 Suidwestelike Herald 24 Dec. 5Desiree left the navy..where she was an Able Swan in the Telecommunication Department at Fish Hoek.
1979 Martin & Orpen S. Afr. at War 287On 9 October 1943 the SWANS was established with a total establishment of 281...There was only one SWAN officer allowed.
Acronym formed on South African Women’s Auxiliary Naval Service, denoting this unit, or its members collectively; without the -s, a member of this unit. Also attributive.
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