Remembrance Day: BMO and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

On Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of those who fought in the First and Second World Wars, as well as current members of our Canadian Armed Forces, the women and men who defend us.

2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Nearly 1,500 BMO employees served their nation in the Second World War in different capacities, including as members of the RCAF. Their lives are documented in Field of Honour, a book produced by BMO in tribute. Of these 1500 employees, 86 served in the RCAF Women’s Division.

Kathleen Mary Payne, previously of the Winnipeg main branch, served as leading Aircraftwoman in the RCAF Women’s Division. Archival photographs, like this one of Payne, help us put a face to the names of those who answered the call of duty.