A moment of reflection
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, the deadliest conflict in human history. Most are too young to remember the devastation and loss that occurred during this conflict, but on this Remembrance Day we take a moment to pay tribute to the veterans who served and the active service personnel who continue to defend us.
After six long years of war, and the sacrifices made by those who served and their families at home, the announcement over the airways that Germany had surrendered, and the war was drawing to a close was welcome, yet still sobering news.
Over 1,400 BMO employees served during World War Two. Eighty-four of these employees paid the ultimate sacrifice and did not return home. During the war, BMO’s Staff Magazine acted as a vehicle for employees serving abroad to provide updates to their friends, colleagues, and loved ones at home. The Staff Magazine issues regularly included letters and updates, achievements, and memorials of those serving.
Gunner H.D. Suckling Jr. of the St. John’s, Newfoundland branch shared his memories of hearing the announcement that Germany would be surrendering. His memories provide a glimpse into this world-changing event and a moment to reflect on who had been lost.
“We had just finished reducing a Nazi pocket and had pushed it to the coast across the Ems Estuary from Emden during the fight for the port of Delzil, when the German Commander surrendered unconditionally, and we did get a small surrender too in the Zuider Zee on our push north after taking the Arnheim. About three days later we were listening to the radio in a hay-loft when the programme was stopped to announce that at 8 a.m. the next morning we would get the “Cease Fire”, and that the Germans were negotiating a V-surrender to General Montgomery. We had not been expecting such colossal news, so you can imagine our surprise! We just looked blankly at each other for a few seconds, and then automatically let out a holler that was heard far and wide and resulted in half the troops within earshot running into the barn to see what on earth was the matter. We told them the great news. Everyone cheered, and then carried on as usual. That may seem strange, but it was far too big a thing for us to grasp, and at odd moments, I think more than one person, including myself, was thinking of our chaps in the Regiment who would not hear it, some of whom lay away down in Italy.”
From Gunner H.D. Suckling, Jr. of St. John’s branch, Nfld., who is with the 107/8 Canadian Field Regiment (S.P.) R.C.A. Canadian Army Overseas.